Inside battle over new £308m eco-village in Hampshire countryside: Wealthy landowner-turned property developer's bid to build 6,000 homes is approved despite huge backlash from locals

Will YOU be affected by the plans? Wealthy landowner Mark Thistlethwayte is the man spearheading the Welborne development The huge 1,000-acre site in Hampshire will see some 6,000 homes being developed on fields But locals living in the village of Knowle, Hampshire, fear the site will ruin the area Ground works take place off Knowle Road leading to the village of Knowle, Hampshire Funding had been secured to build 1,160 homes, but Fareham Borough Council has now declared it is 'all systems go' after it secured funding to build all 6,000 homes. An artistic rendering of the completed eco-housing project - which nearby residents have slammed Mr Thistlethwayte says the development will feature hi-tech eco-friendly homes The new homes will be built with red brick similar to those in neighbouring villages Instead, Mr Thistlethwayte marshalled ownership of the entire plot, spending millions of his family's wealth to buy up small plots he did not already own, as well as reducing the size of Welborne from 10,000. 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 business support administrator slammed the 'complete and utter disregard for how the residents feel' and said the developers have taken the 'character' of Knowle Village. 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.