THE long-running battle over plans for the 2,000-home Barton Farm development in Winchester has got even longer.

Cala Homes is appealing against Winchester City Council’s refusal to grant permission to build on the greenfield site to the north of the city.

Government inspector Christina Downes is chairing a public inquiry which was due to finish today.

However, after evidence took longer than expected, the inquiry will not conclude until February 28. The inspector will then visit the site on March 1, before putting together her report for Secretary of State for Communities Eric Pickles.