PLANNING chiefs have approved outline proposals for nearly 20 homes in a Hampshire village.

It would see existing buildings at Torbay Farm, in Lower Upham, demolished and replaced with 19 homes, including eight which are affordable, and office space.

There would also be public open space, a children’s play area, wetland, and access roads.

The developer, BB Property Ventures Ltd, has said it will give £80,000 to Upham School for improvements and £23,000 to Upham Parish Council in lieu of an already completed pedestrian crossing in Winchester Road.

Planning officers originally recommended refusal, but updated the agenda to approval prior to the committee meeting last Thursday.

Councillors raised concerns about the impact on children walking to school, access to public open space, road speed, drainage, and the results of a public opinion survey by Upham Parish Council.

Cllr Ann Judd, chairman of the parish council, said: “Over two years ago the council decided to look for a site for affordable housing because councillors are keen to keep families in the village.

“The council worked closely with the applicant and held an exhibition and public consultation. There is clear public support.”

A table which showed the results of the public survey showed 76 per cent of people supported the scheme.

Gavin Taylor, who lives near the site, said: “The parishioners object to major development but support low-cost housing. Flooding will happen regularly.”

Planning committee chairman Cllr Laurence Ruffell said he knows the road, Scivier’s Lane, well, and voted to refuse.

The site straddles two planning authorities — the South Downs National Park (SDNPA) and Winchester City Council — which makes decisions on behalf of SDNPA.

Cllr David McLean voted against the SDNPA application but for the housing scheme, under the city council.

It took the committee almost three hours to decide, with eight in favour and two against the SDNPA application, and nine in favour and one against the WCC proposal.