IT was one of the biggest schemes a Hampshire town had ever seen and sparked a two-year planning battle that split the community.
Countryside campaigners clashed with footballers and cricketers over proposals to build new sports facilities and almost 200 homes on three open spaces in Totton.
Objectors took to the streets to voice their anger at the multi-million-pound plan and raised petitions signed by almost 3,000 people.
But supporters of the application said it would help secure the future of AFC Totton and two other sports clubs that also stood to benefit.
Now Hazel Blears, secretary of state for communities and local government, has approved the project in a move that has sparked fresh controversy.
Read the report into Linden Homes building on AFC Totton's ground
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