WELLOW residents are holding their breath ahead of next Tuesday's Test Valley Borough Council Planning Control meeting.

Villagers have objected to proposals for a Western Challenge Housing Association scheme of ten homes in a 20-acre field currently used for organic crop growing near the junction of Romsey Road and Buttons Lane.

Council officers have recommended that it should be given the go-ahead because of the need for affordable homes in Wellow and would not cause "any adverse impact on the amenity of adjoining dwellings."

It has been delayed because of concerns over the safety of the access on to Romsey Road and that has been further adjusted in readiness for Tuesday's meeting.

But villagers believe the development has been designed to accommodate between 10 and 12 further houses behind the initial build at some point in the future.

Bob Prideaux, who lives nearby in Romsey Road says: "you don't need a crystal ball so see the longer term picture".

There are also concerns that the proposed site entrance will create an unacceptable traffic hazard. But council highways officers have carried out a sped survey and say that as long as suitable sight lines are established for vehicles leaving the estate, the scheme is acceptable.

While supporting the principle of affordable houses for local people, Wellow's Test Valley Borough Councillor Tony Gentle says the junction on Romsey Road is already a hazard and another one nearby will worsen the situation, with a lack of pavements adding to the problems.

Wellow Parish Council has asked for a string of conditions to be attached if it is given the go-ahead and there have also been 45 letters of objection from residents.

And Mr Prideaux added: "If the villagers do not want the development, and the Parish Council does not want the development it does pose the question, why would you build it?"