COUNCILLORS have voted to allow thousands of homes to be built on Barton Farm near Winchester.

Councillors voted through proposals to allow 11,000 new homes to be built throughout the district, including 2,000 at Barton Farm.

The debate lasted until 2.30am this morning at Winchester Guildhall.

Councillors voted the proposal through by 29 to 19, with six abstentions.

The decision allows plans to build 2,000 homes and a primary school at Barton Farm, on the outskirts of the city.

For years, campaigners have worked hard to ensure the scheme failed to get off the ground but appear to have lost their battle.