COMMUNITY groups have criticised plans to build more than 70 houses next to a Romsey nature reserve as applicants prepare to go before planning bosses.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has said the proposed development next to Fishlake Meadows 'does not go anywhere near far enough to protect the surrounding environment'.

Plans have been submitted to Test Valley Borough Council for permission to build 73 dwellings with access on Cupernham Lane and will be debated next week.

Romsey Town Council and Braishfield Parish Council have also objected to the plans that originally outlined 94 dwellings.

Residents have said that there are not enough places in schools and that there is a lack of pedestrian access to the town.

The plans are for the land west to Cupernham Lane, which joins nature reserve Fishlake Meadows and is near to the River Test and Old Canal.

The wildlife Trust is the leaseholder for both the nature reserve and barge canal.

David Rumble, assistant director and strategy lead for policy advocacy at the wildlife Trust, said it was a 'sensitive' site.

He said: "Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust believes that every new housing development should give back to nature by making enhanced provision for wildlife and new green space for people.

"There are national policies in place to support this belief, but without commitment from developers, we will see increasing declines in wildlife and more pressure on existing sites for recreation.

"This proposed development does not go anywhere near far enough to protect or enhance the surrounding natural environment, especially given the sensitivity of the River Test and its importance for wildlife."

The Trust said it was in conversation with the applicant, Stratland Estates, to try and solve the objections.

Romsey Town Council said that the development would have 'a negative impact' on the nature reserve.

A spokesperson for Stratland Estates said it was committed to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.

He said: "The applicant is aware of the reservations of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, who lease Fishlake Meadows, and is in positive dialogue with them to address these concerns.

"The applicant is committed to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment for the benefit of the current and future residents of Romsey. They are also committed to delivering high quality homes to meet a demonstrable need in Romsey.

"It should be noted that Stratland Estates were responsible for gifting the Fishlake Meadows reserve to Test Valley Borough Council, and ensuring that its use by the public was secured free of charge."

The spokesperson added that the applicant has secured around £1.4 million in contributions to the reserve.

The plans will be debated at the Southern Area Planning Committee on February 20.