"ONE of the best things to happen to Christchurch" say the owners of the historic town centre cornfactor site, after being given permission to redevelop it.

At the centre of the development is the restor-ation of the long-abandoned 18th Century three-storey cornfactor building between Druitt Gardens and the rear of High Street shops.

The outline planning permission includes 19 flats in a three-storey terrace on the Druitt Gardens frontage of the third of an acre site flanked by the side wall of Woolworths and the grounds of the library.

Plans also include a courtyard of five shops and cafe with pedestrian access to the High Street through the existing alley between premises currently occupied by Baggies and Kelly's kitchen.

After turning down a previous scheme in December, the council's planning control committee let this one go ahead by four votes to three, but only after heated debate.

Some members were still concerned with design and the proposed access of building traffic onto the site for construction because they felt it would damage the Conservation Area.

Chairman Cllr Malcolm Mawbey said the site would be developed in the end and construction traffic access was always going to be a worry. His casting vote secured the plan.

Landowner, Peter Williams, said: "This is one of the best things to happen to Christchurch. For the first time there will be a link from the High Street through an attractive development to Christchurch's hidden jewel - Druitt Gardens.

"We have also saved from demolition an important historical building."