PLANS to replace a council depot have been shelved amid fears that the scheme could result in the loss of a popular community facility.

Civic chiefs have confirmed that proposals move the Claymeadow depot in Hounsdown Avenue, Totton, to a new site have been put on hold pending a review of council services.

The revelation has been welcomed by supporters of Hounsdown Community Hall, which occupies neighbouring land.

Plans to relocate the depot were unveiled in summer of 2014, sparking fears that the whole site – including the hall – would be sold for housing.

Totton county councillor David Harrison said: “I have been in touch with bosses at New Forest District Council and have been told that the whole project is ‘on hold’.

“It might well be that they are having problems finding an alternative location for the depot.

“Also there are doubts following local government devolution proposals. I expect this will be one of a number of things ‘shelved’ whilst it is worked out which councils will survive and which are abolished.”

A council spokesman said: “The depot is home to a number of services, including waste collection, vehicle workshops and grounds maintenance.

“We have been looking at the needs of these services going forward and a different depot site is considered to be the best option.

“The project has been put on hold for the moment while we take the opportunity to review each of the council services so we can provide them in the best way possible.”

Plans to replace the depot with a new facility were unveiled in the summer of 2014.

A report to members of the council’s ruling Cabinet said the depot was “well below ideal operational standards” as well as being close to homes and a school.

It added: “There is only one viable option and that is to acquire a new depot site within the Totton area.”

The hall can seat 100 people is used by several organisations in the area. Public meetings and other events are held on the site.

Writing on his website last year Cllr Harrison said he had been approached by a resident who was worried about the future of the hall, which he described as “very popular and well used”.

He warned that the depot and the adjoining hall could be sold for housing.

“Residents are likely to welcome the trucks being located to another site but concerned about the possible loss of community facilities,” said Cllr Harrison.

“Personally I think it most likely that any redesign of the site would include community facilities. For me it’s absolutely essential that it does.”