HOTELIERS in the Southampton area challenged Eastleigh Borough Council's decision to spend £32 million on Hampshire's proposed Rose Bowl 175-bedroom hotel complex, but their protests failed.

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A judicial inquiry rejected their case saying there was "no realistic chance of success" in preventing the £48 million scheme going ahead. Construction had been delayed, and there were doubts whether the building work could be completed in time for next year's Test match against Sri Lanka.

The legality of Eastleigh's investment was challenged, with the protestors claiming there had been a "rushed decision-making process".

The council said the project would create 200 jobs and the cost would have no impact on taxpayers. The redevelpment of the cricket ground includes new stands, and the existing nine-hole golf course will be upgraded to an 18-hole championship course.