CONTROVERSIAL plans to build up to 175 homes in the Hampshire countryside have been given the go-ahead after a six-month delay.

Civic chiefs have finally approved a multi-million-pound plan to develop a greenfield site off Crow Lane, Ringwood – despite receiving more than 130 objections.

The scheme, which also includes light industry, a hotel and a nursing home, could create as many as 260 new jobs.

District councillors supported the application in April and authorised planning officers to grant permission, subject to a legal agreement being signed by August 1.

But the Government told the authority to hold fire, saying the Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles could decide to call in the proposals.

This decision to intervene prevented the legal agreement from being completed in time, which meant officers were unable to issue the consent.

However, Mr Pickles chose not to examine the scheme, which was sent back to the council’s planning committee and has now been approved.

A report to councillors confirmed that objectors had expressed a long list of concerns about the potential impact of the proposal.

Local concerns They claimed the huge development would create extra traffic problems in the area as well as placing an additional burden on schools, medical services and current sewage systems.

Cllr Michael Thierry, who represents the Ringwood area, said: “The legitimate, deeply-held concerns of local people have not been addressed.

“There are a great many matters that need to be looked at.”

The committee also heard from Cllr Sophie Burgess-Kennar, of Ringwood town, who called for a more detailed investigation into the problems likely to be caused by the scheme.

But Cllr Steve Rippon-Swaine, who also represents Ringwood, cited the urgent need for extra housing in the town.

He added: “If we reject the application, a planning inspector will look at it and we’ll be shot to bits.

“Don’t refuse it – it’s totally the same as you gave (permission for) in April.”

The application, which was made by Linden Homes and Hampshire County Council, was approved by 13 votes to three.

A Linden spokesman said: “Linden has a very good record of building high quality. Hopefully this scheme is something Ringwood will be proud of.”