PLANNERS have approved 91 new homes near an accident blackspot despite protest from dozens of residents.

Locals fear that Hill Pound in Swanmore will become even more dangerous if a new estate is built.

Eleven-year-old Felix Barrow was left fighting for his life after a crash near the site in October.

Winchester City Council received 89 objections but gave the green light on Thursday after hearing it would have a "modest" impact on roads.

Planning committee heard how drivers ignore speed limits on the approach to the village and cause regular accidents.

Cllr Therese Evans branded Hill Pound a "racetrack" and residents laughed at suggestions that a newly introduced 30mph speed limit would help the situation.

Calls for extra safety measures have been ramped up following the crash.

Hampshire County Council said the "tragic" accident had been investigated but that it would not "impinge upon the careful consideration of this proposal."

Highways officers found that the greenfield scheme, by David Wilson Homes, would have a "modest" effect and would not make the situation worse.

However, the committee agreed to write to the county council raising road safety concerns.

Don Griffiths, a Swanmore resident of 35 years, told the meeting: "The site's single entry and exit is a narrow road whose speed limits are widely ignored. It is also subject to much HGV use, where two of these large vehicles meet it is normal for one to mount a footpath.

"The primary and pre-schools are near capacity and already the centre of the village is in chaos at school start and finish times."

It came amid warnings that developing the field would increase the risk of floods, with some residents saying planned drainage works will not be enough.

Independent consultants Rogers Cory found the site would withstand a once-every-hundred-years rainstorm.

Defending the scheme, Cllr Ian Tait said: "We've starved Winchester district of development. This scheme has pretty much everything we want."

Meanwhile, officers admitted the scheme would further narrow the gap between Swanmore and neighbouring Waltham Chase.

The gap is set to be reduced from the other side by 30 new houses off Clewers Lane, Waltham Chase, controversially approved in February.

Steve Opacic, head of strategic planning, said the council had "very little choice" but to close the gap as other land around Swanmore falls under the protected South Downs National Park.

Councillors upheld a clause forcing residents to seek planning permission to install solar panels, described by Cllr Tait as "bureaucracy" that would send the wrong message.

Cllr Pearson, portfolio holder for environment, said he was "absolutely staggered" by the move but Cllr Caroline Dibden said it would prevent "ugly" panels covering roofs.