Hampshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) approved the idea of a new pharmacy on the Island on July 23 – subject to appeal.

In December, Butt and Hobbs Ltd submitted an application for a licence to open a new pharmacy near Hayling Health Centre.

In May, a second application was submitted by pharmacist Mr Mahesh Prabhu for a pharmacy in south Hayling.

Sue Mills, area head of medicines management for Hampshire PCT said: "At its recent meeting, the Pharmacy Applications Committee approved the application made by Butt and Hobbs Limited and declined the application from Mr Prabhu.

"During the meeting, the committee considered the views received during a recent consultation period by both applicants, local pharmacies and local residents.

"Local residents expressed concern about the lack of choice on the Island and the committee felt the application made by Butt and Hobbs Limited will provide additional reasonable choice for local residents.

"Both decisions are subject to appeal by either of the applicants or existing local pharmacies.

"If no such appeal is received within 30 days, Butt and Hobbs will have six months to open their pharmacy."

Butt and Hobbs' business development manager Saeed Younis said: "We are determined to open a pharmacy as soon as the regulations allow and are grateful for all the support we have received from local people."

Lloydspharmacy, which owns the four existing pharmacies, has said it is "looking to streamline operations" on Hayling "to ensure that the service is of the highest standard."