The Labour government’s proposed new housing targets for Hampshire have been criticised by the county council.

Since the government’s proposal to introduce mandatory housing targets as part of an updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Concerns have been raised over the implications for green belt and the housing targets.

At a recent full council meeting, leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Nick Adams-King said that while he welcomed the public consultation about the changes in the NPPF targets for Hampshire is “excessive” and “undeliverable”.

Under the plans, housing targets would be increased by 71 per cent a year in Hampshire. For Winchester, its current target of 676 new homes a year would balloon to 1,099. Rushmoor from 265 to 606, and Eastleigh from 645 to 902.

It is part of Labour’s election pledge to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years.

Cllr Adams-King said that the council responded in support of “driving forward” with growth but warned against a “standard methodology” that fails to recognise local conditions to constraints such as environmental designations and national parks.

He added: “These make the increased housing numbers for Hampshire seem excessive and undeliverable. We also express support for the reinstatement of strategic planning to unlock a sustainable level of growth in Hampshire.

“Whilst we are supportive of the proposals driving growth, there needs to be some form of transition to the numbers because not to do so leaves all of us open to speculative applications.

“As a consequence of districts and boroughs not being able to meet their five-year housing supply, and if that happens.

“Then developments are proposed and are decided at appeal and the chances of us receiving sufficient developer funding to support the infrastructure that we must deliver alongside it is extremely limited.”