Even in the face of fierce opposition the decision to allow 130 new homes to be built on land off Goldring Close Hayling Island has been given the green light.

After planning permission was originally sought by Tolcarne Drive Developments and subsequently quashed by Havant Borough Council the building company launched an appeal which was heard in May. The decision was announced yesterday for permission to be granted and Councillor Leah Turner responded: Im extremely disappointed that the appeal was successful.

For a year Havant Borough Council entered into consultation with the residents of Hayling Island over the housing allocation plan and Goldring Close was always the least preferred option.

At the appeal the officers and the residents did an brilliant job and Im extremely upset that the wishes of residents and the professional judgement of council officers has been overturned by a planning inspector who came down from Bristol.

Through the Localism Act the government said it wanted to put power back in the hands of the people the council tried that and the residents have ended up with the exact opposite of what they wanted.

Philip Asquith the inspector who filed the report said there would be no harm caused to nearby Chichester Harbour which is an AONB and SSSI. Mr Asquith further went on to say the development would be sustainable and make a contribution to the housing provision within the borough.

He also said the site was the most appropriate when compared to alternative spots on the island. Other locations would require years of ecological studies.

The council have said they will be taking further advice from their legal team.