A FIGHT to stop offices being built on the site of a community centre in Somerford will be taken to Christchurch Borough Council on Tuesday.

Residents who live in Somerford are protesting at the decision by a government inspector who allowed an appeal by Sovereign Twynham housing association to demolish the community hall and replace it with a “landmark” two-storey office development.

Christchurch Borough Council refused to approve the application last year over concerns it would fail to improve the area and mean the loss of another community resource.

Residents are hoping a covenant that exists between the council and the housing association, dating back to 1991, could mean a reprieve.

One resident, who lives next door to where the office building would be, said it will have a detrimental effect on her life. June Burton – who prefers to be known as Iris – has lived in her house in Amethyst Road for 57 years.

Registered blind, she goes everywhere with her guide dog Morris, but fears the added traffic will make it difficult for her to continue.

“It’s not only the traffic, but the fact that the building will block most of the sunlight from my garden and I’ll have everyone peering in”, she said. “It’s an invasion of my privacy. I just can’t believe its been allowed.”

The fight to prevent the offices being built is backed by Grange ward councillor Denise Jones and Chris Hopkins from the Somerford Partner- ship, as well as Christchurch MP Chris Chope.

Chris Hopkins said a petition would be presented to Christchurch council on Tuesday.

The covenant has been assessed by the borough council solicitor and a meeting has been arranged with Sovereign Twynham.

Roy Probert, public relations manager for Sovereign Twynham, said: “Sovereign South and West is pleased that the inspector acting on behalf of the Secretary of State has approved this planning application. Sovereign is now considering the inspector’s recommendations.”