NORTH West Hampshire MP Sir George Young has joined the debate over plans to demolish Berehill House in Whitchurch.

Many residents in the town have contacted Sir George over the proposals to knock down the nursing home and replace it with 40 dwellings.

A protest committee has been set up to encourage people to object to the four planning applications which have been submitted to the borough council and eight petitions have been circulated throughout the town.

Acknowledging it was initially a decision for Basing-stoke and Deane councillors to determine, Sir George said: "Of course I understand the concern at the prospective loss of a well-established building that has provided valuable services over many years, and its replacement by a high density development.

"What is happening in Whitchurch is a consequence of two policies from the office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

"First, he has given Hampshire County Council a very high target for new housing provision in the Structure Plan and directed them to find the necessary sites through the district councils. This has put extra pressure on small towns such as Whitchurch, which are being obliged to find space for more new dwellings than the local authorities believe to be necessary. Second, he has taken powers to 'call in' any planning application where the proposed density is below a certain figure and he can then increase it."

Sir George agreed people should be entitled to 'decent homes' and backed moves to provide affordable housing for those on low incomes, but said he has always been opposed to the figures in the Hampshire Structure Plan.

"Hampshire should not continue to provide for further inward migration from London and the South East."