THE vote in favour of the huge Welborne housing project near Fareham was only to be expected.

The controlling Tory group on Fareham Borough Council has been solidly behind the project that will see some 6,000 new homes created north of the M27.

It is the largest new homes development planned for this part of Hampshire and has, unsurprisingly, caused not a little concern among local residents.

Their fears that the development is in the wrong place and is not backed with sufficient investment in new infrastructure to enable the area to cope with such an influx of people have been voiced during a public enquiry into the plans.

That the local authority is to move ahead with the proposals despite such opposition is a sign of the times.

The simple fact is that Hampshire needs a great many new homes and they have to be built somewhere.

It is also a simple fact that very few people, especially those living in small villages, would welcome such large estates being created on their doorstep.

That, however, does not diminish the residents’ concerns and it will be important that promises to invest in the infrastructure with better roads and facilities are followed through.

Welborne has been a long time in the planning. The jury will remain out for some time as to whether it will live up to expectations on both sides.