A REPEATED decision to refuse permission for a Morrisons food store could cost Christchurch Borough Council tens of thousands of pounds.

The costly decision by members of the council's planning committee to refuse the scheme for a Morrisons supermarket on the site of Beagle Technology in Stony Lane was overturned by an appeal inspector on Monday.

He ordered the council to pay partial costs after it was found to have acted 'unreasonably'.

The official figure has yet to be decided, but the council has confirmed the money will be paid from its general reserves.

The planning inspector's report was critical of planning committee members, saying their reasons for refusal were unsubstantiated.

John Taylor, managing director of Beagle Technology, said they were 'delighted' by the appeal result.

"The big thing now from our point of view is that we now want to pause for breath and review all of our options on the way forward", he told the Daily Echo.

"We want to wish a big thank you to all the supporters and the professionals who have helped get us to this point."

He added: "The last few years has been a distraction and unsettling for staff.

"But ultimately we are delighted the appeal on the site has been successful and the planning inspector has granted permission."

Planning agent, Ken Parke, who represented Beagle at the appeal hearing in February, said: "The council should never refused it.

"Our report was very strong; they had no case and no reason to refuse. They didn't present any evidence.

"The main thing is that Beagle, who are operating in an outdated facility, can now look towards the future and invest in a new facility and local jobs.

"Turning this application down was a travesty and a disgrace.

"I'm glad Beagle did decide to appeal. (After the three refusals) they had the stuffing taken out of them and had no fight.

"Thankfully, we managed to give them some confidence and they are now very happy. This decision gives them options."

Mr Parke said the company was still in talks with Morrisons.

Dave Barnes, strategic director at Christchurch Borough Council, said: “When the application came to committee the members raised a number of concerns which led to them refusing the application.

"The planning inspector has now examined those concerns and decided that they were not sufficient to justify refusal of the application.”