CONTROVERSIAL plans for the building of thousands of new homes in the Hampshire countryside were displayed at a public consultation yesterday.

Up to 2000 new homes could now be built at Barton Farm after Winchester council chiefs paved the way for development on the greenfield site.

Less than 24 hours after council's decision developers Cala Homes invited local residents to St Barnabus Church in Weeke to view draft proposals for the site north of the city.

Dozens of people attended the consultation to inspect large colourful posters detailing proposed schools, retail centres, recreational facilities and housing options.

But many residents voiced concerns that the addition of up to 2000 new homes could make the traffic situation in the city worse.

Michael Emett, Strategic Land Director for Cala Homes, said: "We are seeking the commuties view on what, if the development does go ahead, they would like to see provided on the site.

"We accept that there are issues of principal that are very contentious but what we are saying to the public is if this does go ahead we'd like to know what they would like to see on the site.

"We are obviously very pleased (by the council's decision) but we recognise there is still a very long way to go. There will be several further stages on consultation on both the council's core strategy and on our application before we are likely to get planning permission."

At the consultation residents were asked if they would like to see a host of iniatives including renewable energy technologies, rainwater harvesting, recycling, cycle routes and how densely populated the housing should be.

An outline planning application is expected later this year but the developers insist there would be further oportunities for public consultation if it was approved.

Cala Homes says the first new homes will be built as early as 2012 and the full development will take around ten years to complete.

If the plans for Barton Farm go ahead it would make it the city's largets development for 30 years. The city council has to identify enough space for 12,000 homes across the district by 2026.

There will be another public exhibition of the plans this Saturday (APRIL 25) from 10am to 4pm at the Saxon Suite, Winchester Guildhall.

Brendan Brockway, 64, Stoney Lane, Winchester, said: "My view is that Barton Farm should remain a green field site. But if the politicians have decided they should allow development then the whole thing needs to be thought about in a different light. But it should be properly developed and should blend in with the city."

Judy Hickman, 60, of Littteton, said: "I wanted to have a look at the ideas that are being proposed and what the extent of the development will be. My main concern is that the transport system will not be able to cope and there is no current provision for a park and ride scheme. The bottom of Andover Road is already a nightmare."

Michael Carden, 75, Edgar Road, a member of the City of Winchester Trust, said: "The trust has never been in favour of Barton Farm because we think the green wedge is very important to the charater of Winchester. But we have come to the conclusion that the city council has no other option than to designate it. But it should only be used when they have no other options for fulfilling the government's requirements."

Kate Macintosh, retired, of West End Terrace, Winchester, said: "I think good transport is the key to its success. I'm for it with the provision that it's a flagship development which Winchester deserves. But most people are worried that both the roads into the city are already at their capacity."