PLANNING chiefs look set to give the go-ahead for 45 more flats to be built in Park Gate despite the area already being dubbed "Flatsville".

Residents say the area does not have the services needed to support a huge influx of new people.

But councillors say they are powerless to resist numerous applications by several developers in Park Gate in line with government guidelines.

Ten letters of complaint have been received for the latest application by Kebbell Homes for five blocks of flats at 75-77 Southampton Road, which lies on the A27 on the border of Park Gate and Titchfield wards.

Botley Road residents Tim Saunders and Caroline Dean are strong opponents of continued development in the village.

They have several hundred signatures on a petition pleading with planners to cut numerous planning applications for flats in the village.

Mr Saunders said: "We are shocked and stunned that almost every piece of vacant land is being bought with the intention of building flats.

"We are mortified that the face of Park Gate could be destroyed for good. As residents we can only see doom and gloom ahead of us. More queues, more people. No peace, certainly no quiet. There will be additional strain on our roads, doctors, dentists and schools."

Cllr Marian Ellerton, ward member for Park Gate, fears a planning crisis is looming.

She said: "I'm as incensed about this application as I am about all the rest. Roads, schools, doctors and dentists are all overstretched.

"The lack of open spaces worries me too. All those people are living without even a square inch of grass to sit on.

"Unfortunately, developers have the government on their side. We are talking about what we can do about this, but that won't help with what's happened already."

Fareham's civic leader and MP have already challenged the government's planning minister over massive over- development in the village. Councillor Sean Woodward and Mark Hoban MP met Keith Hill, MP to discuss a lack of influence in planning decisions.

Councillor Peter Davies described Park Gate as "Flatsville" when speaking of his concerns when planners agreed two more developments - of 17 flats and 49 flats in the centre of the village.