CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 2,000 homes at a Hampshire beauty spot were set to be rejected today.

The Hampshire Chronicle has learned that the Government will announce that it is turning down proposals for the housing development at Barton Farm on the edge of Winchester.

Anti-development campaigners were jubilant and Winchester MP Steve Brine today described the decision as a “victory for common sense”.

But one city councillor, Ian Tait said the ruling was “an absolute disaster” for the city due to its chronic shortfall in social housing.

The scheme would also have seen a new primary school, nursery, shops, health centre and a 200-space park and ride.