A PUBLIC meeting has been called by Hamble Parish Council to debate controversial plans to build 600 homes in the neighbouring area.

Concern is growing over the impact that a huge development might have on Hamble Lane, which is the only route into and out of the yachting mecca.

The village authority has called a public meeting for November 24, starting at 7.30pm at Hamble Memorial Hall.

Parish clerk Kate Cullen said: "It is parish council policy to call a public meeting when there is a contentious or major planning application."

With Hamble lying on a peninsula, there is a major concern over traffic and access. The parish council will be inviting the developers to the public meeting.

Hamble is also seeking tripartite talks with its neighbours Bursledon and Hound and is hoping to set up a working party.

Barratt Homes and George Wimpey UK want to build on 64 acres of land west of Hamble Lane and south of the A3024 Bursledon Road.

The scheme would include a park-and-ride for 850 cars, a health centre, a care home, and a country park and public open space.

Part of the land is currently used as a site for Bursledon's popular Sunday car boot sale and park-and-ride facilities for Saints' St Mary's Stadium and the Rose Bowl, the home of Hampshire County Cricket.

The remainder of the site is farm land used for grazing.

News of the planning application has received a cool reception from Eastleigh Council, while Bursledon Parish Council chairman Diana Sneezum says the area is already gridlocked most of the time.

Receipt of the planning application will be reported to Eastleigh Council's Bursledon, Hamble and Hound Local Area Committee on November 18.

The council intends to make a decision within 13 weeks but the final decision could rest with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Steve Wilks, managing director of Barratt Homes Southampton, said details had not been received about the public meeting.

But they planned to hold a public exhibition at which full details of the proposed development would be on display.

He said: "In our experience we have found that this is the best way forward."