THE battle over plans for a major development in Bramley has made it all the way to Parliament.

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller questioned a Government minister about the controversial plan for 270 homes and commercial premises in German Road, Bramley.

She asked why decisions made by the borough council and an inspector may be overruled by Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

In April this year, a report from Mrs Kelly said she was "minded to grant planning permission" for the controversial application for former MOD land in German Road.

A final decision is expected to be made at the beginning of August.

During the debate with MP Yvette Cooper last Thursday, Government minister for housing and planning, who was representing Mrs Kelly, Mrs Miller questioned why the Secretary of State was considering granting planning permission for the site when, after extensive consultations, planning experts concluded the contrary.

Mrs Miller said: "What message does the minister think that that sends to my constituents about the usefulness of being involved in future so-called consultations, especially on planning issues or the involvement of local government in the planning process?"

However, Mrs Cooper said that she was unable to comment on the specifics regarding the Bramley development as it could prejudice the planning decision.

Speaking after the debate, Mrs Miller said: "I was really pleased to be able to have the opportunity to bring the issue up on the floor of the House, but I was really disappointed with the minister's response. What we heard was a lot of legal jargon.

"I think that the minister made her position very clear - that there is going to be no debate on the matter and that the Secretary of State is not going to respond.

"But I was talking about other issues, about the future of Basingstoke, so I feel really disappointed that she wasn't willing to discuss these.

"I will be writing to the local authority to ask what response they will make as we cannot let this run."