CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build a massive supermarket warehouse on the edge of the New Forest National park at Ower have been given a boost.

Government-appointed planning inspector Michael Hetherington has approved the new Forest District Council’s Core Strategy, which does not include Lidl’s proposals for a 42,000 sq m complex at Wade Park Farm.

The decision has been given a cautious welcome by the Keep Ower Rural pressure group, which has spent months fighting the Lidl proposal.

Members say the company could still decide to submit a planning application – and claim it might be approved on appeal.

A spokesman said: “We’re delighted with the inspector’s ruling but this may not be the end of the matter. We will fight on, as and when required.”

The strategy comprises a 17-year planning blueprint for sites surrounding the New Forest National Park.

During a public inquiry into the document, Lidl objected to the council’s attempt to safeguard Wade Park Farm from development.

Nicholas Pollack, the company’s representative at the hearing, said the proposed development would serve its Hampshire and Dorset stores, which were currently being supplied by distribution centres in London and the West Country.

However, dozens of placard-waving demonstrators staged two protests outside the inquiry. They claimed that a warehouse would result in 500 lorry movements a day and presented a petition signed by 2,000 objectors.

New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis said: “Lidl must be aware that their proposal is causing upset and concern locally. I only hope that that they will take that into account and see if they can’t find an alternative site.”

A Lidl spokesman said the company was still “reviewing” its proposal in the light of comments received from the public.

The supermarket giant claimed the Ower development would create 200 jobs.