The Barton Farm development dominated debate as Winchester City Council cabinet members decided to publish their new local plan.

The document outlines what kind of schemes would be welcome in the area and those that are not.

The Barton Farm proposal, which could see 2,000 homes built to the north of Winchester, falls firmly into the council's unwelcome category.

The homes will need to be built if government targets for 6,000 new houses every year in Hampshire cannot be met by projects elsewhere.

When the local plan is published on May 9th, it will explain the council's reluctance to development on Barton Farm.

"The land will, however, only be released if a compelling justification for additional housing has been identified by the strategic planning authorities.

"Until such time, the city council will strongly resist any development," states the plan.

Winchester council leader, Sheila Campbell, said at Wednesday's cabinet meeting that she did not like the decision resting with the strategic planning authority.

"It's imposed on us, it isn't our decision, and we don't like being the victim."

Executive member for housing, Dominic Hiscock, reminded the cabinet of the need for extra homes in Winchester.

"All the time we are stalling there are housing needs in this city that we may not be able to meet.

"These are real people with real housing needs and we have to bear that in mind and have some sensitivity about this," he said.

When the plan is published it will also will be available on CD and through the city council website, www.winchester.gov.uk.