THE man who led the long fight against a controversial Hampshire housing plan has launched a stinging attack on civic chiefs.

Gavin Blackman said city council leaders in Winchester had “capitulated” to developers as he stepped down as chairman of the Save Barton Farm Group (SBFG) after 15 years.

It follows councillors giving outline approval for Cala Homes’ scheme for 2,000 homes on farmland north of the city.

The campaign against Barton Farm saw two huge protest marches through Winchester and countless planning meetings, public inquiries and threats of legal action dating back to the mid- 1990s.

Mr Blackman said: “I personally will never understand how our Government can allow such a development to go ahead that will totally alter the landscape setting of one of the country’s ancient cities.

“I am particularly disaffected by our city council who have capitulated – Winchester deserves better.

“Their zeal for now working with the developer to make sure the development has the right coloured fences, reminds me of turkeys choosing the sauce to be served at Christmas – if only they had shown as much enthusiasm to actually defend Winchester.”

Mr Blackman added: “The people of Winchester should truly understand that they are being hoodwinked into believing Winchester needs this development – it doesn’t.

“It is not too late to stop this development – SBFG are fighting on – but the group needs the people of Winchester to show their continued support.”

Cala Homes is consulting on details of the scheme.

New SBFG chairman Robert Howland said: “On behalf of the SBFG I want to thank Gavin for leading the group for the past 15 years.

“We respect his decision to move on and I want to echo Gavin’s sentiments that there are still avenues to pursue to prevent damage to Winchester from this development.

“We will also be watching the threats of further development to the north and the east of Barton Farm.”

Nobody from the city council was available to comment.