CAMPAIGNERS in Chandler's Ford have launched a last-gasp bid to stop Test Valley planners ruling in favour of a controversial nursing home.

Councillors are due to decide tomorrow whether to grant permission for a state-of-the-art pensioners' paradise in Valley Park.

The so-called "grey haven" proposed by Winchester-based charity Brendoncare would have its own gym, physiotherapy suite, library and restaurant, as well as 30 apartments and seven bungalows.

The scheme suffered a setback in December last year when Test Valley Council's southern planning committee voted ten against nine to refuse permission.

Brendoncare bosses have since launched a fresh set of plans for the £6m development at the junction of Shannon Way and Knightwood Road.

However, today North Baddesley councillor Alan Dowden is fighting to have the item pulled from tomorrow's agenda, fearing it will be approved.

He claims that a ruling on the site, which is designated an important open area, should

only be made by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

In a last-ditch bid to prevent a decision being made locally, the Lib Dem parish, district and county councillor has e-mailed planning minister Keith Hill and is waiting to hear if the crunch decision can be postponed.

He said: "I am not against the concept one iota.

"I support it very much, but it throws a coach and horses through the borough local plan, on policy grounds, because the land is designated countryside."

However, Test Valley council bosses claim the decision would not be a departure from policy, and have vowed to press ahead with tomorrow's discussion.

Brendoncare chief executive Ron Staker, who has already received 20 inquiries from over-60s hoping to check into the new facility, said: "I am very disappointed at the reaction of the Valley Park councillors.

"We are a registered charity trying very hard to deliver a much-needed care facility for older people.

"We seem to be facing one obstacle after another. I am just bewildered by the priorities of some of the councillors."