EAST Hampshire planners have given the go ahead for a block of four flats on a car park behind AltonÕs Southview Rise shopping parade despite strong local protest.

So fearful have objectors been over the loss of off-road parking and the perceived threat to the long-term viability of the retail units concerned, that the matter is being disputed through the courts.

But permission was granted at the June meeting of EHDCÕs north planning committee for the one-bedroom flats following submission of an amended scheme by Holybourne-based KJN Developments Ltd.

A total of 16 letters of objection had been received, drawing attention in particular to loss of car parking facilities for local shoppers, staff and residents; insufficient manoeuvring space for delivery vehicles servicing the shops, and the resulting increase in on-street parking in an already badly congested residential area.

Alton Town Council had supported these concerns, pointing out that there were current proceedings in the courts concerning possible public highway rights over the land which, for the past 30 years, has been used as a public car park.

In putting forward the case for permission, case officer Chris Murray told members that the county parking and highways manager had raised no objections to the proposal and that access to the garages serving the four flats above the shops would be retained, as would the loading and unloading area.

While local councillor Tony Ludlow sought to back the town council in its concerns, particularly over the on-going legal proceedings, chief planning officer Ian Ellis pointed out that this was a dispute which would have to be settled through the courts and, should it impact on any planning permission, then the agreement would and could not be implemented.

In the event councillors granted permission for the development which, they believed, would tidy up the site while providing the type of accommodation Alton so badly needed.

The news, however, came as a blow to Alton Town Council. According to Paddy Mendham, the decision had only served to reinforce the feeling of disappointment among town planners that district council members were failing to support the town on major planning issues.

ÒWe know the site and believe that the potential loss of off-street parking and of an adequate goods delivery area to the rear of the shops will cause absolute chaos in an already congested residential area,Ó he told The Herald.