COUNCILLORS have approved keeping a temporary structure at a major housing development despite local people fears that it could mean permanent traffic access.

Berkeley Homes wanted permission to keep its marketing suite even though it has a new one on the site.

The company is using the older ones as a base for staff visiting the site at the former police headquarters on Romsey Road.

There were 14 objections to the proposal to use it until August 2022.

Kate Macintosh, of West End Terrace, said access on to that road was no longer justified as the new marketing suite is off Romsey Road.

Tim Montague agreed, saying the local concern was that access off the very narrow West End Terrace could become permanent.

Planning officer Catherine Watson said access from West End Terrace had been blocked off except for pedestrians and cyclists. “Contractors will not be using the gate. Their access is off Romsey Road. When I visited in November the West End Terrace gate was padlocked.”

The development is due to be substantially complete by August 2022. The marketing suite will be removed and the area landscaped.

Councillors on the planning committee voted to unanimously approve the scheme with seven votes.

Knights Quarter has one, two and three bedroom apartments, penthouses and four and five bed houses.