RESIDENTS will be consulted over any plans to develop the former RAF Sopley site in the New Forest, a meeting heard.

Kim Slowe, managing director of ZeroC, said that it hopes to develop the site working with the community and the local authority.

At a public meeting at Merryfield Park, Mr Slowe reassured residents and councillors that ZeroC did not envisage building hundreds of houses, but he refused to be drawn on exact numbers.

ZeroC would not take its plans forward without first gaining the majority support of the local community and the backing of planning officers he added.

Some residents feared traffic levels would get worse or were concerned the infrastructure could not cope with more housing. But Mr Slowe said residents and experts would meet to address the issues.

Merryfield Park is owned by the Baily family and one other investor. It is valued at £2m or could make £4m if the units are sold separately.

Residents voted in favour of further meetings starting in February.