THE future of a controversial housing scheme on a ‘green gap’ north of Winchester is set to be decided by city planners today.

The Welch family wants to build 45 homes and open space on their country plot dividing Littleton from the rest of the city.

Outline plans to be considered by Winchester City Council this morning include 18 discount houses, at least eight self-build plots, five acres of public space and four homes for the family.

They also feature a converted barn which would become a Scout hut and community centre. The Welch brothers say this could offer facilities for youth groups, drama and dance teams, book clubs, quiz nights and an after-school club with computers.

Unusually for a housing application, the supporters outnumber objectors. More than 200 people have written to the council backing more housing and open space.

But Littleton and Harestock Parish Council, one of around 100 objectors, has warned the plans will threaten Littleton’s countryside character and narrow its gap with the city.

Dave Kesby, chairman of the 1st Winchester Scout Group, declined to comment but said he would welcome discussions with the Welches.

The parish council welcomed plans for open space and a community centre, but warned that the Scouts, who hope to run them, may not have the funds to prevent fly-tipping, overgrowing greenery or even travellers setting up camp.

Chairman John Biddlecombe reiterated the council’s submission to planners in January, which read: “The settlement of Littleton has always been located in the countryside separate from the built-up areas of northern Winchester, and this is considered to be a fundamental landscape and physical characteristic that should not be physically or visually compromised.”

The Welch family hope to influence Winchester City Council’s Local Plan to build 2,000 homes in the city by 2031, in addition to the 2,000-home Barton Farm development on the other side of Harestock. Many would prefer development on inner-city brownfield sites, but the landowners say this would create fewer affordable homes due to new government rules.

The Coalition’s revamp of planning law means developers will only have to provide discount homes on sites of 10 or more houses. Some urban projects are expected to be smaller.

Bernadette ‘Bee’ Welch, wife of Adam Welch, who has led efforts to persuade the council, told the Chronicle: “The four Welch brothers grew up on the land and are keen to see a high quality development with easy access to the open space and a community building providing a high quality of amenity in this location. A covenant will be put in place to protect the open space from any future development.

“This is a unique opportunity to improve an area which has suffered from significant shortfalls for decades.”

She added that a covenant would be established to protect the open space from future development.

Representatives from the parish council and Welch family are expected to address Winchester City Council’s crunch planning committee at 9.30am on Thursday. Residents and city councillors are also expected to attend the meeting in Winchester Guildhall.