COUNCIL chiefs pledged to delay building on Barton Farm in Winchester for as long as possible.

The move comes as they debated the latest draft of a 20-year district masterplan, which includes where to build more than 12,000 homes.

Campaigners trying to save the greenfield site lobbied Cabinet members yesterday.

Beforehand, Councillor George Beckett, who leads the authority, said building on Barton Farm was the “least damaging” way to meet housing targets.

However, he also tabled an amendment to delay using the site, which his Tory colleagues backed.

It said previously developed land should be used first, and Barton Farm would only be released at the end of the 20-year plan if the were no alternatives.

Cllr Beckett said: “This would allow the delaying of the triggering of Barton Farm until it was inevitable.”

Ann Gossling, of Save Barton Farm Group, said: “We are entitled to better than the least worst option.

“We deserve the best for Winchester, and that is not development on Barton Farm.”

Alan Weeks, of Winchester City Residents’ Association, argued Westminster’s housing targets should be rejected.