BATTLE-weary Eastleigh councillors say they hope they have seen the last of planning applications centred on the controversial scheme to build a Waitrose supermarket at Fryern Hill, Chandler's Ford.

Developers now have permission to build the store, a new surgery and betting office plus a block of six flats to replace homes being swept away by the development.

But after a fierce debate over fresh plans to alter the design and lighting of the proposed bookies, councillors were saying enough was enough.

Councillor Godfrey Olson told colleagues: "I do hope that this is now the end of this very acrimonious issue. We seem to approve something at one meeting and get an amendment at the next. I hope that this will now draw to a conclusion."

Committee chairman Councillor Grahame Smith agreed, commenting: "I do hope this is the last time it will come before this committee."

Earlier, chairman of the Fryern Residents' Association Malcolm Mathews said the fresh plans for the bookies from Coral Estates Ltd was symptomatic of the piecemeal way the development had been dealt with.

Comparing the proposed lighting to "something more compatible with Blackpool Illuminations," he said he believed the application was excessive and intrusive.

Councillor Colin Davidovitz said the previous scheme for the bookmakers blended in better with residential properties near it and Cllr Olson branded the fresh plans out of character with the environment.

But Councillor Margaret Kyrle warned that if the matter went to appeal the council could lose the control they had over the development. She recommended a one-third reduction in the brightness of the lighting and said conditions should stipulate when lighting and air conditioning units could be used before councillors voted 5-4 in favour of the scheme. I hope this is the last time bid is before us

Echo reporter newsdesk@soton-echo.co.uk

BATTLE-weary Eastleigh councillors say they hope they have seen the last of planning applications centred on the controversial scheme to build a Waitrose supermarket at Fryern Hill, Chandler's Ford.

Developers now have permission to build the store, a new surgery and betting office plus a block of six flats to replace homes being swept away by the development.

But after a fierce debate over fresh plans to alter the design and lighting of the proposed bookies, councillors were saying enough was enough.

Councillor Godfrey Olson told colleagues: "I do hope that this is now the end of this very acrimonious issue. We seem to approve something at one meeting and get an amendment at the next. I hope that this will now draw to a conclusion."

Committee chairman Councillor Grahame Smith agreed, commenting: "I do hope this is the last time it will come before this committee."

Earlier, chairman of the Fryern Residents' Association Malcolm Mathews said the fresh plans for the bookies from Coral Estates Ltd was symptomatic of the piecemeal way the development had been dealt with.

Comparing the proposed lighting to "something more compatible with Blackpool Illuminations," he said he believed the application was excessive and intrusive.

Councillor Colin Davidovitz said the previous scheme for the bookmakers blended in better with residential properties near it and Cllr Olson branded the fresh plans out of character with the environment.

But Councillor Margaret Kyrle warned that if the matter went to appeal the council could lose the control they had over the development. She recommended a one-third reduction in the brightness of the lighting and said conditions should stipulate when lighting and air conditioning units could be used before councillors voted 5-4 in favour of the scheme.