A developer has revealed plans to build almost 300 homes onthe outskirts of Romsey.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes announced plans for a 30-acre sports centre at Ganger Farm which it said would be funded by a housing development.

Now it has revealed it is planning 275 homes, 20 per cent affordable, at the site.

A spokesperson for the developers said they were “acutely aware” of recent flooding issues in Romsey.

It said Ganger Farm is on gravel, allowing surface water to seep into the ground and has a drainage outlet through wet woodland.

A storage tank beneath the sports pavilion car park will hold water run-off which can be re-used for watering the sports pitches.

Sports centre plans include all-weather pitches, a pavilion with 12 changing rooms, a viewing gallery, bar or café and car parking.

Developers claim Romsey is short of sports pitches.

The proposals were welcomed by Romsey Hockey Club and Romsey Rugby Club, which said it would be keen to relocate there.

Test Valley Borough Council earmarked the site for a potential sports centre several years ago and it featured in the new revised local plan, but funding has never been available.

The council declined to comment until plans were submitted.

The plans go on show at exhibitions at the Romsey Scout HQ in Braishfield Road between 2pm and 8pm on Wednesday and at The White Horse Hotel, in Romsey, between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, February 1.