Campaigners End Fight Against Barton Farm

A 15-year fight to stop a massive housing development on fields just north of Winchester has been abandoned.

The campaign group Save Barton Farm says it won't bother with any more legal challenges because it's too expensive and likely to fail.

Cala Homes is due to apply for planning permission for the development next year, with building work expected to start in 2014.

Winchester City Council rejected a previous planning application to build the homes in 2010, saying there was little evidence to suggest that the housing need. 

The Secretary of State initially supported the Council’s position but then had to review his decision when it was ruled unlawful, and in the end gave consent for the application.