Residents have raised concerns about plans for up to 800 homes near Fordingbridge.
The proposal for housing on land south east of the town is included in New Forest District Council’s draft local plan, which will guide future development including homes, jobs and infrastructure across the area.
Local residents discussed their objections at a meeting on 16 March, raising concerns about flooding, traffic and the potential impact on the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Jennifer Croxford said the land is used as a floodplain and acts as a buffer for nearby communities, adding that building on it could increase flood risk in the area.
Farm tenant Sam Burden said recent flooding had already affected nearby fields and warned the development could be “devastating for the entire area”.
Residents also raised concerns about the impact of up to 1600 additional cars using narrow rural roads in the New Forest, including routes where wildlife collisions have been recorded.
Others said the land provides backup grazing used by commoners who keep livestock under New Forest commoning rights.
The draft local plan is currently out for consultation until 20 March.
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