CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a giant distribution site on land formerly designated as Hampshire police’s “white elephant” have been given the go-ahead.

Civic chiefs at Test Valley Borough Council have overturned a previous committee allowing the building of an industrial site at Alpha Park – once intended as the force's new headquarters.

Developers will now be able to turn the site into an industrial complex with three warehouses and distribution facilities.

One resident shouted “shame on you” as the councillors on the planning control committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of the development.

Two councillors who sit on the borough council’s planning control committee – Celia and Alan Dowden – had received legal complaints from the developers Bericote Properties Ltd.

Cllr Alan Dowden, who is on the planning committee of Valley Park Parish Council, where the site lies, did not cast his vote because of the challenge.

At last month’s southern area planning committee both councillors had objected to the three-unit proposal in Electron Way which developers claim will create more than 180 jobs.

The development was turned down last month on the grounds of hundreds of vehicles visiting the site night and day which lies only 40 metres from houses nearby.

During the 90-minute debate on Tuesday night, residents living nearby said they would be “blighted by the fumes, noise and light intrusion” from the 700-plus vehicles which would be allowed to visit there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“It will cause real health and wellbeing issues if 24/7 operation is allowed leading to possible compensation claims,” Stephen Hadfield, an objector said.

As previously reported, Alpha Park was described as a “white elephant” after being bought by Hampshire Police for £9.8m in 2008 and sold at a loss late last year subject to a survey.

The building stood empty for more than six years and by May 2013 had cost £1.8m just to maintain and keep secure.

Eastleigh Borough Council had previously given their approval for the part development lying in their jurisdiction.

But Valley Park Parish Council, which the site partly lies in, has objected to the service area behind residential properties in Burnham Beeches which are only 40 metres away.

Kristine Salomon-Olson spoke on behalf of the chief executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Stewart Dunn.

She said the site had been “approved by experts” and said it would “help to attract the right sort of business here in the future”.

“If not here, there where industry go?” she added.

Cllr Alan Dowden said he had been “gagged to a certain extent” by the challenge but he said it was his decision not to cast his vote.

Speaking at the meeting in Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, he said: “A complaint has been made by the applicant. In short it alleges that I showed predetermination and bias of their application at southern planning, based partly on the fat I am the chairman of the Valley Park Parish Council and a member of that planning committee.

“Therefore, I will only be making a statement today and not participating in the decision process, to avoid any court challenge that they have threatened to make should the decision go against them. Most importantly, I deny the allegation.”

Cllr Celia Dowden continued to take part in the debate but hers was the only vote against the application.