PROTESTERS have vowed to fight on after controversial plans for a new eco-town in the Hampshire countryside were passed by councillors last night.

The controversial proposal for up to 7,000 homes between Wickham, Knowle and Fareham was backed by Fareham Borough Council.

Bosses at the Tory-run council said there was a need for the 2,000 affordable homes included in the scheme and it would serve as a beacon for green living but critics claim the town is too large and in the wrong place.

Councillors were greeted by up to 40 protesters waving placards when they arrived.

Council bosses say there are 2,000 people on the housing waiting list due to the disparity between house prices and salaries. The plan is likely to go to a public inquiry and an action area plan will be drawn up.

More detailed plans will then go back to the council.

Councillors also passed plans to develop HMS Daedalus at Lee-on-the-Solent into an aerospace and marine business park.