I was fearful that the planning application to widen the A326, submitted by Hampshire County Council and to be decided by Hampshire County Council was only going to be considered and determined by Council Officers.

I have been working behind the scenes, with colleagues, and am delighted that the decision will not be made by officers but by elected Members who form the Regulatory Committee.

This decision provides at least some accountability for such an important decision. It will get a very public and transparent airing which is entirely appropriate for such a large infrastructure project which will have huge impacts for many years in the future.