Fury as plans for £308m eco-housing project with 6,000 homes is given green light despite backlash from locals over 'concrete jungle' that will destroy picturesque countryside

Controversial plans to build a £308million 'concrete jungle' in the countryside have been given the green light after funding was secured to build 6,000 new homes. Trees and hedge rows have already been removed as ground works take place off Knowle Road Ground works take place off Knowle Road leading to the village of Knowle, Hampshire Ground works go ahead in the area in preparation of 6,000 new homes being built The village of Knowle, Hampshire, currently surrounded by vast areas of greenery An artistic rendering of the completed eco-housing project - which nearby residents have slammed It is said that the major development will essentially create a new town between Southampton and Portsmouth. The council said: 'Fareham Borough Council is delighted to confirm that it's 'all systems go' for Welborne Garden Village, following confirmation that funding to deliver critical infrastructure is now in place. Kayleigh Rooke set up a petition to 'Save Knowle Road Trees and Hedgerows' which have been impacted in the 'first phase' of the Welborne development Loraine Rappe, who chairs the Knowle Residents' Association, previously said it is a 'shame' that they have destroyed the green space Trees and hedge rows have already been removed as ground works take place in the area Despite facing repeated criticism from concerned locals, a council said it is 'delighted' to announce it has obtained full funding for the plans 'The recent announcement confirming the M27 Junction 10 improvements means all 6,000 new homes at Welborne can be built.' Residents of Knowle and Wickham say the development has led to the demolition of trees and greenery in their area It is said that the major development will essentially create a new town between Southampton and Portsmouth 'People have been referring to the whole development as Hellborne,' Kayleigh Rooke set up a petition to 'Save Knowle Road Trees and Hedgerows' which have been impacted in the 'first phase' of the Welborne development.