A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build a state-of-the-art nursing home at Valley Park has finally been give the green light.

And people are already booking places at Brendoncare's development at the corner of Shannon Way and Knightwood Road - before builders move onto the site.

Ron Staker, boss of Winchester-based Brendoncare, said it was a relief to get permission.

"I am delighted with the result which will enable us to provide much-needed care services for older people in the locality. We are grateful for all the support we received from local people and organisations and are looking forward to getting involved with the community to provide a 21st century facility for older people. This result is a victory for common sense and the real winners are older people," said Mr Staker.

The complex - complete with licensed restaurant, gym, hairdresser and on-site physiotherapy suite - will help alleviate Hampshire's shortage of hospital beds, say Brendoncare.

Borough planning control chiefs approved the application by six votes to three last Thursday.

Members over-ruled an earlier decision by the borough's southern area planning committee to reject the scheme.

Brendoncare says 23 people have already sought accommodation at the planned development, which includes 30 two-bedroom apartments, seven two-bedroom bungalows and a 20-room nursing home.

Mr Staker added: "I am delighted for the older people of the area - but I was very disappointed at the approach of certain councillors who seem to be searching for reasons against this."

There was hostile reaction when Brendoncare announced the scheme - particularly from some people living nearby.

North Baddesley Parish Council chairman, Alan Dowden, even took the unprecedented step of trying to block his borough colleagues from deciding the application.

Fearing further loss of open space in the Valley Park area, Mr Dowden wrote to planning minister Keith Hill calling on him to take the matter out of the borough authority's hands and make the decision himself.

Addressing last Thursday's meeting Mr Dowden, said: "Do all these spare nursing home places have to be situated in Test Valley? If you give permission, this very important open space will be lost forever."

However, Nursling and Rownhams member Bruce Cowan took a completely different view.

He said: "The need for this is substantial. People come first over landscapes. Brendoncare is committed to giving dignity to frail and elderly people. This development is a brilliant concept."

Brendoncare is hoping to move the first residents into the new care home by the end of next year.