PLACARD waving protesters lobbied councillors as they arrived to debate a controversial housing scheme in a quiet Hampshire village.

About 100 King’s Somborne residents packed into Romsey’s Crosfield Hall to let Test Valley’s councillors know how they felt about about Gladman Developments proposals to build 60 homes on the south eastern outskirts of the community.

And when the borough’s southern area planning committee rejected the Cheshire-based company’s scheme jubilant villagers applauded councillors with a loud round of clapping.

Sandra Rowden who is leading the campaign to stop the homes being built said: “We are absolutely delighted with the decision.

But we must still hold firm, because it has been suggested that Gladman might appeal against the decision.

Daily Echo:

Nigel Wolstenholme who owns Somborne Valley Vineyards which is close to the proposed 10-acre development site on farmland off Eldon Road added: “Common sense has prevailed.”

Residents were furious at Gladman’s plans and have accused the developer of not consulting the village properly about the plans.