PLANS to build thousands of new homes in Hampshire came under the election spotlight yesterday, when Conservative shadow environment minister Tim Yeo dropped in to Romsey.

He joined prospective parliamentary candidate Caroline Nokes to meet protesters angry at plans put forward by the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) to build new homes along the M27 corridor.

Conservative Mrs Nokes believes between 5,000 and 10,000 houses could be built around Lee, south of Romsey, in the green gap between Test Valley and Southampton.

SEERA has suggested that up to 80,000 new homes need to be built between Totton and Havant along the M27 corridor to keep up with demand for housing.

Hampshire residents have until tomorrow to oppose the controversial plans.

Mrs Nokes said: "The environmental impact of 10,000 or more houses here, with all the traffic and noise and congestion, would spill over to the whole surrounding area.

"The M27 is already at capacity and traffic even now is frequently snarled up. With this development, instead of there being genuine countryside between Southampton and Romsey, there would only be artificial gaps."

She added: "The whole future of Romsey as a country town is placed in question by this proposal."

Mr Yeo, who visited the River Test Heritage Area as well as recycling centre Ace Liftaway, said: "We are committed to abolishing SEERA - we think it's part of a top-down planning process.

"We think this proposal specifically will damage the environment and put demands on the infrastructure. We are opposed to it and we will fight it. I have come to Romsey to make it clear to residents we are on their side."

Mrs Nokes is standing against Liberal Democrat Sandra Gidley, Labour's Matt Stevens and the UK Independence Party's Mike Wigley in the Romsey seat.