A ROW has erupted over the knife-edge decision to approve a study and visitor centre at Bournemouth's Hengistbury Head.

The council's deputy leader has attacked Conservatives who once backed the plan and then voted against it.

And Bournemouth East MP David Atkinson has called on the Deputy Prime Minister to hold a public inquiry.

The field study and interpretation centre received the go-ahead at a planning meeting held in front of more than 200 locals. But the issue was only settled when chairman Cllr Ken Mantock used his casting vote to resolve a deadlock.

Three Conservatives on the planning board voted against the application despite having been on the council's cabinet when it endorsed the scheme.

Cllr Richard Smith, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat-run council, said: "They seem be trying deliberately to stop any advance on things that they were in favour of and that's not what they're there for.

"If they haven't got the good of Bournemouth at heart, they shouldn't be Bournemouth councillors."

Former Tory cabinet member Cllr John Beesley said: "When I was on cabinet I was foursquare behind the scheme but I always said 'subject to planning'."

Fellow Tory Cllr Pamela Harris said: "I never thought it was in the right place from day one."

Mr Atkinson said: "There is no doubt that the application which Bournemouth council has just approved is contrary to its existing policies regarding the Head, and to government policy guidelines. In view of the great national heritage and importance of the Head, these proposals should now be the subject of an independent public inquiry to which representations and evidence can be submitted."