A CAMPAIGN to prevent south Hampshire being swamped by thousands of new homes is gathering momentum.

More than 22 organisations, from councils to pressure groups and environmentalists have joined South Hampshire's Unheard Voices (SHUV) to fight plans for up to 80,000 new homes between Southampton and Portsmouth.

Formed just over a month ago, SHUV has already attracted the interest of thousands of people objecting to the government's proposals, outlined in the South East Local Plan.

It is acting as an information forum to enable as many groups as possible to respond to the South East Local Plan before it reaches its June 23 deadline.

Caroline Dibden, chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England's (CPRE) south Hampshire planning group, said: "We have begun to put together our co-ordinated response to submit to the Panel of Inspectors on behalf of all the SHUV members.

"We are also providing advice to member organisations who are compiling their own responses."

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is hoping to build thousands of new homes in the region over the next 20 years.

However concerns have been raised about a lack of adequate infrastructure.

More information about the South East Local Plan is available by visiting www. southeast-ra.gov.uk/southeastplan.