PLANS for dozens of homes in a Hampshire village has been given the green light.

Developer Croudace Homes has submitted an outline planning application to build 82 homes at land to the rear of School Road in Wickham.

Planning officers at Winchester City Council have recommended the outline application, which includes 40 per cent affordable housing, for approval.

The plans were given unanimous backing by councillors on the Winchester City Council planning committee.

However there were 19 letters of objection from residents who are concerned at the impact on rural character of the area, lack of parking, increase in traffic noise, poor air quality, noise and light pollution.

The planning committee heard there were concerns about drainage of the site, however the committee heard no building can take place until a solution had been made between the developer and Southern Water, and a planning condition has been put in place to address this.

Chairman of Wickham Parish Council Angela Clear also called for a drainage solution, as flooding is a major issue in Wickham.

Cllr Clear stated Wickham Parish Council agreed with the scheme but said there must be “fine tuning”.

Cllr Therese Evans also raised concerns on how pedestrians will be able to cross the A32, this was also raised by cllr David McLean.

Cllr Frank Pearson questioned whether the road that goes around the development could be used as a “race track”.

Cllr Pearson added: “To me that looks like a potential race track, are we talking to the developers about the possibility of stopping that sort of movement.”

However councillors were happy to give backing to the scheme.

Cllr Ian Tait described the outline application as excellent. He said: “This strikes me as an excellent application, while this is an outline application I am happy to support this.

“This is what the district needs, quality development meeting affordable housing, I will wholeheartedly support this application.”

Cllr Pearson said: “What we have got before us is a very good and promising start but we have got to get this issue on water drainage sorted – it is crucial.”