THE new 20-year masterplan for the Winchester district was passed by councillors in the early hours today (Friday).

It makes the development of Barton Farm more likely as the plan acknowledges that Winchester does not have enough housing land to meet demand.

However, the plan could also provide a new primary school, and give greater protection to Bushfield Camp, which is also a greenfield site.

The controversial masterplan, which has been several years in the making, came before a special full council meeting yesterday (Thursday).

The marathon debate lasted until 2.30am today (Friday) and it was passed by 29 votes to 19, with six abstentions.

For more details about the crunch decision, see next Thursday’s Hampshire Chronicle.