THE beleaguered Petersfield childrenÕs group Acorns 2000 finally had something to cheer about when a Government inspector this week granted planning permission for a temporary building in The Avenue.

Members of Acorns received a setback earlier this year when they were refused planning permission by East Hampshire District Council to carry on using the temporary building for a toy library and drop-in centre at The Avenue Playing Fields.

The refusal followed devastating news that the group had also been refused planning permission for a new multi-purpose building aimed at bringing all the local agencies concerned with young children under one roof in the centre of the town.

There was another bitter blow when a Government inspector threw out their plans for the new home at The Avenue Pavilion, backing East Hampshire District CouncilÕs decision.

Acorns 2000 decided to appeal against EHDCÕs refusal of temporary planning permission for the toy library.

The group was told this week that government planning inspector Gerry Hollington had decided to allow their appeal and grant permission for the temporary building for a further two years.

Secretary of the Petersfield Society for Special Needs Carole Patrick told The Herald this week: ÒThis is fantastic news, at last we have something good to cheer about. We now have two years to get it right and get the right permanent building put up in the right place that will fulfil the requirements of those with special needs in Petersfield.Ó

Making his decision, Mr Hollington said this week: ÒMy overall conclusion is that the harm to the provision of public open space and the areaÕs character and appearance is outweighed by the need for the buildingÕs retention and that a temporary period of two years is appropriate.Ó

He said Acorns was aware that the continued siting of the temporary building could not be extended indefinitely and the previous inspector had found that no concerted search for an alternative site or premises was undertaken before 2001.

ÒIn dismissing that appeal he stated that he was not convinced all possible alternatives to building on public open space had been fully explored or investigated. He referred to other sites which might be considered and I note that the appellants have begun to make approaches to investigate these as a site for a permanent early years centre,Ó he added.

Mr Hollington said he was in no doubt that it would be undesirable to prolong a situation which caused harm, Òbut the appellants need time to explore fully the alternatives and I consider that the two years sought is an appropriate period for this matter finally to be resolved.Ó