CHRISTCHURCH council has been branded a “total shambles” over the controversial supermarket decisions, with one developer threatening legal action over the backtracking decision.

Following an unprecedented move to scrap results on all three of the borough’s planning applications, angry residents have expressed their confusion and frustration over the council’s motives.

Quantum’s Bailey Drive proposal was the only scheme to be approved, despite being recommended for refusal alongside Morrisons bid for Beagle’s Stony Lane site and Meteor Park at Somerford.

The move to scrap all three decisions comes after the council took legal advice following threats of legal action from the refused applicants.

Jim Biggin, chairman of West Christchurch Residents’ Association said: “It is a complete fiasco.

“But to put your finger on exactly what is going on is very, very difficult.

“Officers recommended that all three schemes were turned down. Two of them were.

“What reason is there now to review those two decisions?

"It's a total shambles."

David Hines, chief executive of Quantum said: "We are naturally hugely surprised by Christchurch councils intention to challenge the Planning Committee's decision to grant planning consent for our development at Bailey Drive at the Special Planning Meeting that took place on the 14 June.

"Full and detailed discussion took place at the five hour meeting and an informed democratic decision was reached.

"All the submitted papers were in order, so we simply don’t understand their position.

"The Council state they have taken legal advice and we have asked for sight of this.

"Thus far, nothing has been forthcoming.

"All the local residents of West Christchurch who supported our application are angry and bemused by this decision and no one can recall a planning decision having been democratically approved being subsequently challenged.

"Currently we are urgently seeking further clarification from the council and whilst at this stage no decision has been taken regarding a legal challenge, our preliminary advice is that the grounds look very strong."

David McIntosh, chief executive of the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership, said: “The solicitors for Quantum asked us for a copy of the instructions to, and opinion of, Counsel with regard to these matters.

“However, as they ought to be aware, this is a matter of Legal Privilege and the Council does not have to disclose the instructions to Counsel nor the advice provided.

“The action we have taken in deciding to go back to committee is based on the legal advice provided. Quantum are at liberty to challenge our action, which we will defend.”