THE battle over plans for a huge development in Bramley could be taken to Parliament.

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller has pledged to help fight the proposals that would see 270 homes, a nursing home and commercial units built on former Ministry of Defence land at German Road, following reports that planning permission is likely to be granted.

A report, from the offices of Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Govern-ment, revealed that Mrs Kelly was "minded to grant planning permission" to developers George Wimpey UK Ltd and Taylor Woodrow Developments Ltd, despite their plans being recommended for refusal by a planning inspector.

Mrs Miller said: "The Government's own inspectors have decided that, after a number of weeks looking at the evidence, talking to local people and visiting the site, German Road is unsustainable. It was rejected from the Local Plan. Prior to that, it was also rejected by the local council.

"For the Secretary of State to intervene after such a level of discussion is very serious and I feel this could undermine local people's faith in the accountability of the planning process.

"I am very concerned that it could set a precedent.

"I have already written to the Secretary of State to ask for further clarification about the decision she came to and, if I don't receive a thorough reply, I will be calling for a debate in Parliament."

A final decision on the plans is expected by August 2.