Romsey will now have nearly 300 more homes after a developer won its appeal against Test Valley Borough Council.

Gladman Developments' outline application for the 270-home Halterworth development has been approved after planning inspector Zoe Raygen ruled in its favour, following a public inquiry on March 25-26.

TVBC had to withdraw its key objections after government changes to meant the council could no longer demonstrate a five-year housing supply.

Test Valley must plan for 934 homes a year, up from 521.

Planning Inspector Zoe Raygen (Image: Charles Elliman) In her conclusion, the inspector said: "The adverse impacts would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies in the Framework as a whole having particular regard to key policies for directing development to sustainable locations, making effective use of land, securing well-designed places and providing affordable homes.

"The proposal would be contrary to the development plan as a whole; however, material considerations, including the Framework, lead me to conclude that planning permission should be granted for development not in accordance with it."

The inspector noted the development would provide economic benefits, such as job creation and the spending of future occupiers. She also said there would be environmental benefits, including "considerable planting" and 10 per cent biodiversity gain.

The development has proven controversial, with councillors, such as John Parker, labelling Gladman an "opportunistic developer" taking advantage of TVBC's lack of housing supply.

MP for Romsey and Southampton North Caroline Nokes said she was 'gutted'.

She said: "The responsibility for this decision lies firmly with the Government, which decided to radically increase the number of houses that would be built in this area and, in so doing, destroyed all the hard work TVBC had put into developing a coherent local plan.  

"This local gap has long been protected by the Council, recognising the need to retain gaps between settlements. I am gutted that Romsey is now under such threat from developers and know how angry local residents will be that their views have been ridden roughshod over."

Gladman and TVBC have been approached for comment.