CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 2,000 homes at a Hampshire beauty spot were set to be rejected today.

The Daily Echo has learned that the Government will announce that it is turning down proposals for the housing development at Barton Farm on the edge of Winchester.

Anti-development campaigners were jubilant and Winchester MP Steve Brine today described the decision as a “victory for common sense”.

But one city councillor said the ruling was “an absolute disaster” for the city due to its chronic shortfall in social housing.

For the full reaction and analysis to the decision see today's Daily Echo

Click here for the Daily Echo's in-depth coverage of the Barton Farm proposals