A CONTROVERSIAL plan to use council land in Bishop's Waltham for affordable housing has stalled.

Full approval for the scheme has been withheld despite city planners giving their permission for the 14-home development at Greens Close in October. Cabinet members have agreed to the scheme in "principal'', but have delayed full approval as they cannot decide whether to sell the land, or just lease it.

The grassland plot in question lies inside a council estate and is flanked by sheltered homes for the

elderly whose residents have opposed the development.

Independent Cabinet member for Bishop's Waltham, Georgina Busher, attacked the council's backing of the scheme proposed by Winchester Housing Group.

She said: "Quite a good consultation has been carried out with residents, but no attempt has been made to act on the views that were given. They do not want a three-storey block of flats absolutely 'in your face' as you enter the estate. The site and height is wrong.

"The residents mainly feel unhappy about it and feel they're being 'tanked over' by Winchester.''

Council executive member for housing, Dominic Hiscock, said: "Although I have sympathy for the residents' views, I cannot see a good reason why we should not proceed.''

Council officers advised members there was an acute shortage of affordable family homes in Bishop's Waltham. Therese Evans - who was chairing the item - proposed the council should produce financial estimates for leasing and selling the land.

A spokesman for Winchester council said: "The permission has already been granted, the question is over on what terms. It was originally going to be on a freehold basis but the council are inquiring what the options are for a leasehold basis.

"The proposal was agreed and the item will be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting on next month.''

No one from Winchester Housing Group was available for comment.