Hampshire residents face a deluge of literature seeking their views on a 20-year plan for the South-East.

It will cover how many homes are needed, along with targets for infrastructure and the environment. Local authorities have already raised concerns, especially in terms of government funding.

The main question facing residents revolves around bricks and mortar. More homes would satisfy the current high demand and bolster the region's economy, but it could harm the environment and stretch infrastructure to breaking point.

Local authorities are urging that the region's schools, roads, railways and water systems require investment. Hampshire County Council estimates that over £1bn is needed every year across the Southeast.

Keith Mitchell, who chairs the planning committee at the South East England Regional Assembly, which produced the plan, said: "It is clear that infrastructure is the single largest worry that people have."

Caroline Williams, of the Hampshire Economic Partnership, warned that businesses would leave if the transport system seized up.

County council member, Tim Knight, said they were sceptical about relying on Westminster for funding. As examples, he raised the proposed tram route from Portsmouth to Fareham, and the Chickenhall Lane relief road in Eastleigh. He said the Government supported both plans, but changed its tune when funding was needed. "It has got to put its money where its mouth is."

SEERA vice-chairman, Ian Chisnall, added that some residents might be forced out of the region. "If we don't provide sufficient housing, there will be people who will not be able to afford to live in this area."

His comments came in the week Hampshire announced plans for 500 affordable homes by 2009. The move is being taken because workers, such as nurses and teachers, cannot afford to live in the region.

SEERA is asking residents how many homes should be built annually in the region, with options ranging from 25,500-the average rate since 1999-and 32,000.

In Hampshire, the lower target would equate to 6,000 new dwellings per year, while the upper level would mean 7,000.

SEERA is sending questionnaires to every home in the region, a total of three million leaflets. Nick Skellett, who chairs the organisation, said: "This is the most extensive consultation ever undertaken on regional planning in England."

The county council has also made £130,000 available for its own consultation exercise, Holding Out For Hampshire.

It is producing a special edition of Hampshire Now magazine, to be distributed to 530,000 homes in late February. Roadshows are planned in Winchester, Andover, Basingstoke and Fareham, along with leaflet drops in other towns.

The council is also producing a video, which will be shown at public meetings. Finally, it intends to conduct a phone poll, in addition to the one planned by Seera.

Council leader, Ken Thornber, said: "We want to ensure that residents are well informed and make the most of this chance to tell the Government what matters to them."

Residents have until April 15th to register their views. SEERA will then amend its plan accordingly, and submit it to Westminster, which has the final say.