Farmland in Eastleigh set to be opened to the public

Eastleigh Borough Council's cabinet approved plans to take over the space, which is 103 hectares large, at Stoke Park Farm in Eastleigh.

It will not be built upon, with the goal of being able to enhance biodiversity.

Part of it, which is the size of 50 football pitches, will be turned into a public space.

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Council Leader, Cllr Keith House, said: "This is a long-term commitment for the council and our long-term ownership and protection of this land from development means we can work towards a more sustainable future for our local community.

"Taking this land out of farming helps us to not only protect our rivers and coastal areas but also create a new site for local people and create improved habitats for wildlife to enjoy.”

As well as increasing biodiversity in the area, another goal is to reduce the amount of agricultural nutrients that end up in surrounding rivers and the Solent, which are detrimental to their ecosystems.

Residents were consulted on the development and gave their views on the future uses of the land.

According to the council, it will be used for a 'variety of initiatives', including 20 hectares to create the public space - complete with a 2.4km looped path - and 8 hectares to make a new habitat for Great Crested Newts.

A protected species in the UK and our country's largest newt, it is known for its black, warty skin, striking orange belly and the males' long, wavy crests during the breeding season.

The next stage will be for the plans to be put before the council's Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Area Committee, which will either grant planning permission or reject the scheme.

At the last committee meeting, held on 27 September, the chairman said the public space 'had lots of interest from the community' but plans were 'not yet ready' to be put before the committee.

A decision is expected to be made at its next meeting on Wednesday, November 29.