Councillors have paved the way for nearly 100 houses to be built in a village near Alton besieged by would-be developers.

An outline application by Redrow Homes for up to 95 new houses north of the Watercress Line in Medstead parish has been approved by East Hampshire District Council.

The decision approves the principle of development on the site west of Longbourn Way and clears the path for the housebuilder to submit firm proposals.

Campaigners have called the decision a “sad day for the village” with parish councillors from Medstead and Four Marks both speaking out against the application during a meeting in Petersfield.

But members of the planning committee may have felt their hands were tied given EHDC doesn’t have a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites.

Eight voted for the recommendation of approval with a pair apiece abstaining and voting against the scheme, which was first submitted 21 years ago.

Housing numbers proposed for the site have also been reduced while concerns over access seem to have been addressed.