THE fate of a historic military building in Winchester has been decided after years of U-turns and debate.

Planners at the city council have approved an application to convert the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) into four houses and build a further nine new homes on the site.

The building tracked German aircraft over southern England between 1943-45 and Allied planes preparing for D-Day. It was listed in 1993 shortly after the corps was disbanded.

Initially developers Bayview wanted to knock down the Abbotts Road building and create 24 new homes in its place.

City bosses supported the plans but later changed their minds and said the building must be retained.

It is the only ROC base surviving in its original design. This latest application marked a compromise between developers, councillors, residents and heritage groups who have all debated the future of the building.

Members of the council's planning committee expressed sadness that it could not be used as a museum. Cllr Ken Pearson said: "All there will be is a plaque that will refer visitors to another location for more details. I deplore that but this is the best scheme we've got."

Members were also concerned that there is no affordable housing on the site. If a scheme has more than 15 homes on it the developer must provide affordable housing, but this scheme is for 13 homes.

A previous scheme had provision for more homes to include affordable properties but planners rejected it as it blocked out the view of the listed building itself.

Councillor Ian Tait said: "Are we thinking the historic building is more important than providing housing for people in Winchester?"

Chairman of the meeting Cllr Georgina Busher said: "We have gone down that road. The only way we can get affordable housing is by cramming the site so we can't see the listed building."

Planning chiefs voted to approve the plans, which will involve legal agreements, securing money for open space and repair and maintenance of the building.