Wates plans to build 200 homes at Lynwood Farm in Holbury

The award-winning Wates Developments is drawing up proposals to redevelop part of a 60-acre site that separates Blackfield and Holbury.

Lynwood Farm was run by brothers John and George Orman, who owned a large collection of vintage farm machinery including tractors and engines.

Neither of the brothers married and following their deaths the collection was auctioned in 2018.

Part o the 60-acre site south of Rollestone Road in Holbury (Image: Wates Developments)

The proposed new homes, a third of which will be affordable, will be built behind houses on the southern side of Rollestone Road.

But Wates says 70 per cent of the site will be publicly accessible open space, of which 21 acres will be a facility known as Alternative Natural Recreation Greenspace (ANRG).

The company is still working on the scheme and has yet to submit a planning application to New Forest District Council.

READ MORE: Number of new homes in the New Forest could double under revised government plans

A Wates spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "It is increasingly difficult for local people in the New Forest to find a suitable place to live.

"New housing needs to come forward in a timely fashion, but unfortunately delivery has been lagging behind.

"We believe this site could help address local need by bringing forward a beautiful development, for a diverse range of people, that would ft well into its surroundings."

Wates Developments is planning to submit an application to New Forest District Council, based at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst (Image: Newsquest)

The spokesperson said the eco-friendly scheme would include solar panels and air source heat pumps, plus a car club and EV charging points.

They added: "The extensive green spaces will provide for biodiversity and would include areas of new native woodland, a community orchard, allotments and children's play areas.

"We would like to here from local residents about how they feel about the plans and we encourage everyone to get in touch and let us know their views."

READ MORE: Developer unveils plan to use former Fenwick Hospital site in Lyndhurst for housing

Villagers are concerned about the potential impact of the scheme and have already set up a Facebook page called Lynwood Farm Development.

One person posted: "This agricultural land is home to ancient hedgerows, bats, badgers, hazel dormice, and the red-listed Great Crested Newt and they must be protected.

"This development will affect us all differently. If you are concerned about its impact and do not wish it to become a reality, please join our Facebook page. By coming together, we will have a more powerful voice."

As reported, a large number of other sites bordering the New Forest National Park are also being targeted be developers.

Earlier this year, controversial plans to build 150 homes on a greenfield site between Totton and Marchwood were given the go-ahead.