An ill wind of change blew through Medstead as East Hampshire District Council ignored protesters to allow a 46-house estate to be built in the wake of the demolition of a house called Fair Winds.

Knocking down Fair Winds, otherwise known as 61 Lymington Bottom Road, will allow access to a piece of land behind it where the houses will be built by Bewley Homes.

East Hampshire could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, so the government’s ‘tilted balance’ in favour of development applied and officers recommended approval.

With the tilted balance on her side, Bewley’s agent Mandy Owen deadpanned her way through her presentation to the planning committee on November 20.

She said: “I am delighted that the application has been recommended for approval.

“In light of East Hampshire’s lack of five-year housing land supply, presumption in favour of sustainable development applies and this application should be approved unless the adverse impacts of the proposal would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

The vast majority of the 206 people who commented on the scheme were against it, and three objectors spoke at the meeting.

Their arguments for refusal - over-development, building on green fields, no need for the houses, flooding, lack of infrastructure, more traffic on inadequate roads using dangerous junctions, too far from shops, reliance on cars, full-up GP and dental surgeries and insufficient school places - were familiar.

But what was new was the tone of the speeches, which suggested the public had begun to believe the committee was not even trying to oppose speculative applications anymore.

Steve Adams, the chair of SMASH - Stand with Medstead Against Speculative Housing - said: “You can either hide behind the tilted balance or you can show real conscience and leadership and say enough is enough and support common sense and our community.

“Tonight we see this as a tipping point. You have a choice. You can choose to save Medstead or you can choose to further destroy it. The choice is yours. I urge you to do the right thing.”

Cllr Frank Maloney, chair of Medstead Parish Council’s planning committee, added: “The council asks members to examine your own consciences before voting on this matter, and to reject it.”

And Cllr Paul McAllister, of Four Marks Parish Council, said: “This development is not sustainable and harm demonstrably outweighs the benefit.

“The planning committee has previously stated there will come a time when enough is enough. That time is now. Please have the backbone to refuse or defer this application.”

The proposal was approved, with six councillors in favour, one against and three abstentions.