NEW decisions on three controversial supermarket applications in Christchurch will be made in October despite frustrations over the “continued delay”.

Following a controversial move to scrap all the decisions from a previous meeting, the proposals will be referred back to the planning control committee for decisions on October 23.

The special committee will start earlier than the previous one, at 3pm in the council chamber.

Applicants will be able to make representations to the committee, which will form part of the report and there will also be a further period of public consultation from August 10-31.

David McIntosh , chief executive of the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership, said: “The decision that the members of the Planning Control Committee are being asked to make is an important one for Christchurch, which is why we are holding this special meeting.

“It is essential that all three applications are given a fair hearing once again so that we make sure every important element of each application is considered carefully.”

Steve Duckett, head of planning and health services added: “The decision to refer the planning applications back to committee was not taken lightly and was taken following legal advice.

“The decisions made must follow the letter of the law with regard to planning legislation and stand up to robust examination.”

At the previous committee in June, members approved the multi-million pound Bailey Drive riverside proposal but refused the schemes for Meteor Retail Park in Somerford and for a Morrisons at Stony Lane on the Beagle Technology Group site.

Questions of consistency were raised by the planning officers during the meeting.

Applicants’ reactions

Tom Whitehead from Brookhouse, applicants for the Meteor Retail Park said: “We expected a September decision at the latest. This continued delay is risking investment the community wants.

“Meteor is ready to go to committee now and at half the size of the others, and as a food store only, we will have virtually no impact on the Town Centre, in stark contrast with the other multi-goods proposals for major superstores.”

John Taylor, managing director of Beagle, said: "We are currently looking at a number of exciting ways to bring the designs to life and will make these public shortly.

“We will be using this extra time to focus on showing everyone what the Beagle scheme will do to strengthen and complement Christchurch.”

Quantum did not want to comment.