NEARLY 200 homes will be built in Bishop’s Waltham after two separate schemes were approved by councillors during a heated meeting.

However, concerns were raised about a lack of consultation and firm details regarding one of the developments, which led to the former mayor and member of the planning committee walking out.

The decision by the Winchester City Council (WCC) committee now means that 125 homes will be built on Albany Farm, while 66 will go on land east of Tangier Lane.

Councillors first debated the Albany Farm scheme, which Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council had objected to.

Cllr Robert Shields, representing the parish council, said: “The parish council would like to record its disappointment that this developer failed to realise that consultation is a two-way corridor.”

When questioned by the committee, agent James Iles, on behalf of applicants Southcott Homes and Bargate Homes, disputed claims of a lack of consultation.

Former mayor Cllr David McLean then raised concern about the management of a separate area of green space, the management of which was unclear.

Cllr McLean proposed a motion to defer a decision but was defeated, with WCC planning and information solicitor Fiona Sutherland saying permission could be granted subject to a variation of their legal agreement to resolve the issue.

“There’s still a lot hanging in the air,” said Cllr McLean. “I hope I’m not making a mistake when I follow your advice.”

After approving the plans, the committee then moved to the Tangier Lane scheme, but was halted by what appeared to be a heated discussion between Cllr McLean and Ms Sutherland, before they both left the meeting.

Cllr McLean returned to the room around 10 minutes later, sometime after Ms Sutherland.

Cllr Laming said: “What a marked contrast to the planning application we have just heard.”

Councillors unanimously approved the plans.