GOVERNMENT ministers will take the final decision whether or not an ecologically sensitive piece of wetland close to the heart of Andover should be developed for commercial use.

Lamron Securities wants to build a retail warehouse and drive through restaurant on land alongside Northern Avenue but the proposal has been objected to by powerful ecological groups in Hampshire.

As much of the land involved is in the ownership of the borough council the proposal needs to be referred to the Secretary of State.

The Environment Agency objects on the grounds that the proposal would result in 'moderate to major adverse impact to nature conservation interests' - due to the loss of more than five acres of wet grassland.

It says that wet grassland and fen habitat is severely restricted and fragmented within the Anton river corridor.

Hampshire Wildlife Trust says that measures designed to provide compensation for loss of habitat are not adequate.

On Thursday the council's northern area planning committee agreed to grant permission, provided ministers agree, subject to a number of new conditions.

Fresh conditions developers will have to meet include a £210,000 contribution to 'cycle infrastracture' in the vicinity as well as providing a new access onto the A343 roundabout.

There is also mention of a £12,500 contribution for art on the site.

Developers will also have to enter into a secure ecological management scheme to enhance the ecological interest and value of the land not proposed for development.

The fen habitat referred to by the ecological groups has, say local planners, deteriorated in ecological value over recent years due to lack of appropriate management.

In 1998 permission was granted for a multiplex cinema - subject to legal agreements being entered into.

Now the plan is for a 48,000 sq ft retail warehouse selling DIY and bulky goods with a garden centre plus a 2,400 sq ft drive through restaurant.