To see the complete story of the battle to save Barton Farm click here.

THE future of a much-loved piece of Hampshire countryside is in jeopardy.

Housing bosses have revealed they may have no option but to build hundreds of houses on land at Barton Farm.

Winchester City Council planning chief Steve Tilbury warned the demand for 12,000 new homes leaves "no option" other than to develop green fields on the edge of the city.

He said draft proposals currently out for public consultation earmarked Barton Farm.

Speaking at a meeting of the Dever Society in Micheldever Station, Mr Tilbury said the council had to provide land for 12,200 new homes by 2026.

He said: "It is a difficult message for Barton Farm. Quite frankly, we don't see any other option for meeting those numbers."

Gavin Blackman, chairman of the Save Barton Farm Group, said the comments showed the public consultation was "a sham".

"From what he is saying, it is a done deal," he said.

"To come out now and put Barton Farm back in the firing line is unjustified. We were supposed to be in consultation so Mr Tilbury's comments are completely mad."

At the meeting Mr Tilbury expressed support for the campaign against an eco-town at Micheldever Station.

He said the council did not support "in any shape or form" Eagle Star Estate's proposals for 12,500 homes.

The Dever Society, which campaigns against the scheme, has spent £20,000 on a hard-hitting report prepared by Hampshire-based White Young and Green objecting to the proposals.

The report was biked to Hazel Blears, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who is currently considering 57 different proposals for eco-towns across the country.

The society received a letter this week from a Government official saying the issues and concerns it had raised were being considered. A decision is expected late next month.

Khalid Aziz, society chairman, launched an appeal at the annual meeting for new members and donations.

Mr Aziz said: "We are going to shout on your behalf but we need your support."

Council leader George Beckett said although city planners were proposing Barton Farm, it was not set in stone.

"We are inviting alternative options from the public. It is important to us that people don't think we are offering Hobson's choice."

  • The city council's consultation on the local development framework ends on February 15. To fill in the questionnaire see www.winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 840222. The council will also consider letters.