WHITEHALL could have the final say in a controversial plan to build a £400,000 state-of-the-art youth centre at Fair Oak.

The proposal, which includes a multi-use hall, will be considered by councillors at the Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath local area committee.

Planning officers are recommending permission should be given subject to considering comments from the Bishopstoke Parish Council and neighbours on the amended plans.

But as well as being referred to the full council the planning application will land in the tray of secretary of state Stephen Byers because the proposed site - between Fair Oak Road and Blackberry Drive - falls within the countryside.

The youth facility would have two meeting rooms, a sitting area and pool table area with kitchen, reception and offices areas, toilet and storage facilities. Linked to the building would be a multi-use youth hall.

The leisure package built between Fair Oak and Bishopstoke would provide a much needed focal point for youngsters from both villages.

It would be primarily aimed at young people aged between 11 and 25 although it is anticipated that the majority of users would be between 13 and 18.

If all the planning hurdles are cleared it could be built as early as 2003. But the proposal has been met with opposition from scores of residents living on a new estate near the Blackberry Drive site.

The council has received 59 letters and a petition with 132 signatures in response to the original application and there have been a further 13 letters of objection to the amended plans. Protesters say that is the wrong place for the youth centre activity proposal and fear that it will lead to traffic problems, vandalism, noise, litter and have a big impact on a residential area.

Local area committee planning officers say that all possible steps should be taken to minimise the impact of the presence and operation of the centre upon the immediate locality.