THE fate of Barton Farm in Winchester is hanging in the balance after developers went to the High Court yesterday.

After several hours of debate, judges will now rule on a crucial legal point that could strengthen plans for 2,000 homes or deal them a major blow.

A decision is expected within days on whether the coalition Government can scrap regional planning targets.

Barton Farm developer Cala Homes argues that Westminster cannot shelve the figures until a new policy is in place.

At the High Court, it faced not only Government lawyers, but several members of the Save Barton Farm Group, joined by Winchester MP Steve Brine.

He said: “Nothing can change the fact that Cala Homes’ plan for 2,000 houses on this site would significantly change Winchester and they do not command the support of local people.”

Winchester City Council has rejected Cala’s plan twice, but the firm hopes to overturn the decision.

A public inquiry is due in February, and the firm’s hand will be strengthened if the High Court finds in its favour.