PLANNERS have issued an ultimatum to the developers building a 120-bedroom hotel on the outskirts of Winchester: finish the job or lose permission.

City councillors gave their blessing to the scheme in 1999 as part of the proposed overhaul of the Morn Hill scrapyard.

The Intech science centre was built soon after, but the hotel designed to accompany it did not materialise.

The council renewed permission in 2004, after which some limited work began, including the digging of foundations but stopped after several weeks.

The planning committee members, concerned at the delay, have issued a completion notice to Monkwood Hotels.

They took the decision after going into confidential session to seek legal advice.

As a result, if the project falls behind any further, planners can pull the plug after a period of 12 months or more.

The committee also agreed to check up on the scheme's progress in May 2007.

Progress report Before making its decision, the committee heard from Alison Matthews, who chairs Itchen Valley Parish Council.

She said residents had their concerns about building a hotel at Morn Hill as the site was clearly visible. She added that it would be inside the proposed South Downs National Park.

However, given that the hotel was now partly built, she said residents were keen to see the matter concluded.

"The people up there haven't known what was going to happen for a very long time, and they feel enough is enough," she added.