THE FATE of a controversial scheme for 250 homes on the borders of Warsash and Locks Heath will be decided by a government minister.

Stephen Byers has directed that the application should be referred to him instead of being dealt with by the council because of the high profile nature of the scheme.

The Secretary of State for Local Government, Transport and the Regions has also decided to hold a public inquiry into the application by Bovis Homes and Laing Homes to build homes south of Peters Road on one of the few remaining green areas in the expanding Western Wards.

A date for the hearing has yet to be confirmed.

Today protesters welcomed the news and said an inquiry would enable all their complaints to be aired, but Councillor Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, condemned the move after Fareham planners decided by a small majority in July to approve the scheme.

One of the protesters, Richard Marley, said: "We are delighted an inquiry is to be held. This is one of the last few green areas in a growing area.

"We are worried about the impact of the new homes on the traffic situation in the area and the effect they will have on local infrastructure.

"Local schools and doctors' surgeries are already overflowing and we already have dangerous and congested traffic conditions.

"The area is also rich in wild life and the development will have a devastating impact. There is a lot of building going on in Locks Heath and to allow more homes here is a development too far."

Protesters have also raised concerns over the increased risks of flooding if the development went ahead.

Councillor Woodward said: "We have been through a costly inquiry into the Borough Plan when it was agreed this land should be earmarked for development.

"Now the government has torn up the local plan. It negates local democracy and leads to greater uncertainty for residents.

"We could also lose control of the development and it could lead to an increase in housing densities."