CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a shop into a pie production unit in Bishop's Waltham have been given the green light, writes Michael Carr.

Winchester City Council approved the scheme for 3-4 Trinder House in Free Street.

The proposal will see it used by a chain of five butchers in the area and will see raw meat and pre-prepared pastry transported to the the unit, where they will be made into pies.

The plan was met with opposition and had nine letters of objection from six addresses.

Residents were concerned about smell, noise, waste and the traffic impact on the area, and said the development was out of character with the area.

Resident Fred Dickenson told planning committee:"I do believe it is wrong to change it from retail to industrial, my concern that is although the conditions will reduce the impact on the environment it is unlikely to eradicate it - particularly the smell of cooking.”

Council officers noted the facility will neighbour several listed buildings, but they would be screened by vegetation and would not be impacted by the unit.

All councillors voted in favour of the plan which is subject to a series of conditions including a waste management plan.

Another of the conditions will see all building work including machinery or plant operations will only be carried out between 8am and 6pm on week days and from 8am to 1pm on Saturday and banned on Sundays and public holidays.