MP Alan Mak criticises Labour Government's new increased annual target of 892 homes for Havant Constituency

The figure is a huge 74 per cent rise from the previous target of 508 homes a year.

In the South East region as a whole, the annual housebuilding target is up from 51,251 to 70,681.

Councils are being given new individual targets to help contribute to the overall number of 370,000 new homes the Labour Government says need to be built each year.

Targets that were advisory under the previous Conservative Government are being replaced with centrally-imposed "top down" mandatory targets that reduce local councils' freedom and discretion.

Mr Mak said: "I'm concerned about this new imposed target, where all these new houses are supposed to go and whether the local infrastructure such as roads, schools, GP surgeries etc will be able to cope.

"But the new planning rules mean that Havant Borough Council's planning committee could be overruled if a planning application for houses is refused."

Mr Mak has always maintained that the number, location and appearance of new homes should be planned in consultation with people in the area through the Local Plan process, rather than being imposed centrally, and that adequate infrastructure was crucial when there was already pressure on services for existing residents.

He said: "I successfully campaigned to abolish centrally-imposed "top down" mandatory housebuilding targets. Labour have now reversed this position without consulting anyone."

MPs do not play any role in drafting, influencing or approving the Local Plan, which is drafted by Havant Borough Council.

However, Mr Mak said he will be keeping up to date on progress as a new Plan is developed in response to the Government's mandatory housebuilding target.