THE debate on the proposal to build a new community centre in Whitchurch can now come to an end after councillors granted it permission.

For nine years the community has been trying to get a centre and the decision at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's development control committee means it can be built on the Winchester Road car park, adjacent to Whitchurch Silk Mill.

The decision was brought before the committee last month but had to be adjourned when Councillor Alison Wall said Whitchurch Silk Mill threatened to apply for a judicial review.

A storeroom and scout hut which are on the proposed site will be demolished and replaced with a community hall consisting of two separate buildings joined by a bridge crossing the stream. The main building will have a hall, kitchen, storerooms and external play area and the second, pod-style building will have a small meeting room and toilets.

For the fulll story see this week's Andover Advertiser.