A CONTROVERSIAL social housing development which will provide 40 much-needed new homes in New Milton has been given the go-ahead by planners.

Barratt Homes’ initial plans for the Danesbury Meadows site off Ashley Common Road were withdrawn in February 2006 after complaints from nearby householders about environmental and security issues.

Barratt then resubmitted plans which have just been passed by New Forest District Council.

Planning chief Chris Elliott said that despite being contrary to some council policies the scheme would “provide a good supply of affordable housing which is very much required in this part of the district”.

The highway authority agreed the road network can take the increase in traffic, the plans provide additional public open space in the immediate area and noise and contamination issues have been addressed.

The new homes will be run by Hampshire Voluntary Housing Association.

In the winter of 2007 Cllr Jill Cleary, speaking on behalf of some 70 people objectors at a New Milton Town Council meeting, had warned that the development could be the start of “ghetto attitude by some developers”.

Now, welcoming the altered plans, she said: “As housing portfolio holder and as it’s in my ward, I think it’s good news. It’s 40 affordable houses which at this time is the only way some people can get a foot on the housing ladder.”

She agreed there had been objections but most of them had been met by Barratt.