NEARLY 200 homes will be built in Bishop’s Waltham after two separate schemes were approved by councillors.

However, concerns were raised about a lack of consultation and firm details regarding one of the developments, which led to the former mayor and member of the planning committee walking out of the meeting.

The decision by the Winchester City Council (WCC) committee now means that 125 homes will be built on Albany Farm, while 66 will go on land east of Tangier Lane.

Councillors first debated the Albany Farm scheme, which Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council objected to, with one of the reasons being a lack of consultation.

Robert Shields, representing the parish council, said: “This development is the largest in over 20 years – we have got to get it right for future residents. The parish council would like to record its disappointment that this developer failed to realise that consultation is a two-way corridor.”

The main issue related the management of an open space known as ‘The Paddock’. Developers had planned to offer the space to the parish council to manage and if they declined it would go to a private company, but Cllr Shields said the council had not had the chance to consider as it had not been told.

When questioned by the committee, agent James Iles, on behalf of Southcott Homes and Bargate Homes, disputed claims of a lack of consultation and said they had held meetings with the parish council.

Former mayor Cllr David McLean then raised concern about a separate area, the management of which was unclear.

Cllr McLean proposed a motion to defer a decision until all the details had been confirmed but was defeated, with WCC planning and information solicitor Fiona Sutherland saying permission could be granted subject to a variation of their legal agreement to resolve the issue.

“There’s still a lot hanging in the air,” said Cllr McLean. “I hope I’m not making a mistake when I follow your advice.”

The scheme was approved by six votes to two, Cllr McLean and Cllr Brian Laming voting against.

Committee members then moved to the Tangier Lane scheme, but were halted by what appeared to be a heated discussion between Cllr McLean and Ms Sutherland, before they both left the meeting.

Cllr McLean returned to the room around 10 minutes later, but sat with members of the public during the Tangier Lane debate.

By contrast, councillors praised the work of applicant Crest Nicholson on the Tangier Lane scheme, which the parish council supported.

Cllr Laming said: “What a marked contrast to the planning application we have just heard,” while Cllr Richard Izard added: “It’s really good you have consultation with the parish council, so thank you.”

Councillors unanimously approved the plans.