Winchester civic chiefs have agreed a motion that will clarify for the public the currently confused situation on housing development.

Thousands of homes are still earmarked for Hampshire even though the Government has abolish regional planning targets.

Proposing a motion at full Council, Tory leader George Beckett said there was confusion amongst the public across the district as to whether the threat has been lifted.

Cllr Beckett said: “Circumstances have now changed. The whole question of housing should be reveiewed. People,should be told the new figures Although the South East Plan is no more, PUSH (Planning for Urban South Hampshire) still proposes thousands of new homes in the forthcoming years.

Big housing scheme have been proposed across the district including Barton Farm, west of Waterlooville, north-east Hedge End and south of Wickham.

Senior Conservative councillor Pat Stallard, member for Denmead, said: “People are confused, they are getting mixed messages. Let us clear the air about this so we know what is going on.”

Cllr Keith Wood, who represents Sparsholt, said: “There has never been economic justification for house building except for the need to meet south east Plan umbers.

“The real need is for low-cost homes. There is no need for a large number of executive houses.

“This is a great opportunity to clear the decks and think again about what Winchester really needs. Villages need affordable homes. This is an opportunity to move the debate forward.”

The Beckett motion was approved.

Council leader Kelsie Learney said she was happy for a paper to go to Cabinet giving more clarity. She pointed out that although the top-down imposition of figures had been removed, councils had to show evidence of housing need before they made decisions.

See Thursday's Hampshire Chronicle for latest news on housing numbers.