A GROUP of pensioners sipped bubbly after winning a battle to stop bulldozers demolishing their homes. Residents in Burnetts Fields and Burnetts Gardens clapped and cheered as councillors voted out plans to demolish five bungalows to make way for new flats.

Eastleigh Housing Association had applied to build ten two-bedroom homes on the site currently occupied by pensioners including Pam Squires.

Members of the Fair Oak and Horton Heath Local Committee had postponed making a decision when Mrs Squires led a peaceful banner protest at an earlier meeting.

Mrs Squires, 70, who had vowed she would stand in the way of bulldozers to keep her home, emotionally hugged friends following the victory.

Sipping champagne she said: "I'm happy with the result. I don't think any citizen should be treated the way we have. There's been no consultation.''

But she was also concerned the housing association could appeal the decision adding: "It's a victory but only until they try and appeal.''

Crowds had protested during the special viewing committee meeting onsite in Burrells Gardens.

Steve Lynch, business and development manager for EHA, said none of the pensioners would be forced to leave their homes against their wishes.

The councillors rejected the planning application because the design contained too many flats and not enough parking spaces.