A HOOK councillor has slammed a decision to reject a housing scheme in Hart.

Councillor Brian Burchfield spoke out after Hart District Council’s meeting in September, where a decision to reject a plan to build around 300 homes at Watery Lane, Church Crookham was confirmed.

Members of the planning committee at Hart District Council went against the advice of planning officers in rejecting the application earlier that month – a decision accepted by full council.

But Cllr Burchfield accused Community Campaign Hart, whose members on the planning committee voted against the application, of wasting taxpayers’ money.

It is estimated that if the developer overturns the decision at appeal, it could cost Hart around £180,000.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Burchfield said: “It also puts Hook and Rotherwick in a vulnerable position as Hart is very near its five-year-land supply without the approval of the Watery Lane application.

“We may be in danger of having to take more houses because of an independent party’s refusal to take its fair share of houses.”

At the same planning meeting, members approved an outline application to build around 550 homes to the north-east of Hook – a decision supported by the village’s three district councillors.

Conservative Cllr Burchfield said: “Councillors who ‘try it on’ at the residents’ expense should be held accountable financially for any penalties that the council incurs.

“This is an abuse of taxpayers’ money for the advantage of scoring a few political points and votes.”