DEVELOPERS have been given the go ahead to build 85 houses on a field in Petersfield despite scores of objections.

On Thursday, January 19, South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) planning committee agreed the homes could be built.

An SDNPA spokesman said: “Members resolved to approve the application in line with the planning officers’ recommendations.”

The field is owned by Petersfield Town Council and it’s only access is via Pulens Lane and into Barnfield and Heathfield roads.

Developers Kebbels, who built the Herne Farm estate in Petersfield, have first option on buying the field from the council now planning permission to build on it has been granted.

The field had been earmarked for housing for some time, but that didn’t stop many residents of Barnfield Road, Pulens Lane and Heathfield Road trying to stop the controversial estate being built.

Michael Thomas of Heathfield Road said: “We object to such a large development when on previous occasions and following previous planning appeals, the Government Planning Inspector stated that he hoped this land would never be built on.

“The existing services such as sewers, roads, schools doctors and other statutory services can’t cope with the large increase in demand.

“This will totally destroy a most pleasant environment and take away common land used by many people for quiet enjoyment, it will ruin many people’s lives way of living.”