An angry villager believes councillors could have blood on their hands after they approved plans for 38 homes in a south of Butser community.

East Hampshire District Council has granted Metis Homes approval to build the estate on paddock land north of Chalk Hill Road in Horndean.

But voices were raised ahead of last Wednesday’s vote with a neighbour, asking for a point of order in a breach of protocol, warning councillors that “accidents will happen” on surrounding roads because of their decision.

The approved development is smaller than the outline Taylor Wimpey application for 50 homes the same committee rejected a decade ago.

Alastair Harris told councillors his Metis Homes team are “very proud” of the scheme with the estate boasting open space, biodiversity enhancements, solar panels and affordable housing spread throughout.

The biggest concern was access from Highcroft Lane and the cumulative impact of development on surrounding lanes, like the twisting and semi-rural Five Heads Road.

Horndean parish councillor, David Evans, said objections from the previous scheme “remained pertinent” and said the “intrusive” estate would reduce the local gap.

“I can’t see how Five Heads Road can cope with any more traffic, particular at school time” said Cllr Elaine Woodard, adding: “It’s still a country lane and not suitable for all the traffic despite what highways say.”

But with EHDC struggling to meet housing demand and Hampshire Highways not objecting, “hands were tied” with councillors voting 8-1 in favour.

Cllr Angela Glass said: “We have a housing target we have to reach – I’m not that keen on this scheme but we have to weigh these things up.”

And Cllr Roland Richardson added: “This (site) is in our forthcoming plan, and it appears to me to be almost and infill site. The northern boundary will also be beefed up and that carries extra weight.”