The application had been looming over the heads of residents since 2019. But following a Winchester City Council planning committee, the scheme has been approved – despite receiving 40 objections. Councillors addressed concerns about traffic and the environment at the site, which is just a stone s throw from Swanmore College. By the end of debate, all eight members of the committee were in agreement and unanimously approved the plans. Cllr Anne Weir said: This is a substantial development, which is part of our existing local plan to develop housing. But I do have concerns over the lack of future proofing. I appreciate there has been a lot of work and investment to make this a suitable development, but residents could be moving into housing that does not look at the next 40 to 50 years and the enormous changes that are to come in response to climate change.