DEVELOPERS have submitted plans to transform part of a Hampshire town centre by replacing a derelict building with flats and shops.
Templeton Stockbridge has submitted an application to build two retail units and seven flats at the junction of Rumbridge Street and Junction Road in Totton.
It follows the rejection of two previous attempts to redevelop the run-down site, which critics say blights the area.
In 2018 an application to build nine flats and a shop was refused by New Forest District Council. The applicant lodged an appeal but a government-appointed planning inspector upheld the council's decision.
A previous proposal for eight flats was turned down in 2017.
The new application says: "The latest proposal addresses the two elements of concern within the previous schemes - the scale of the proposed building and the impact upon the vitality/viability of the town centre.
"The design of the development now ensures it would integrate well within the surrounding buildings.
"The proposed development would also deliver social and economic benefits from the provision of much-needed housing in a suitable location.
"The construction activities associated with the development would generate 11 temporary jobs full-time construction jobs in the shirt-term, while the provision of commercial units and additional residents within the area would provide great long-term economic benefit."
But several people in the area have lodged objections to the application
One protester said the height of the proposed development would result in Rumbridge Street becoming "very dark and unpleasant" in the evenings.
Others complained that the lack of on-site parking would result in more people leaving their cars in Rose Road, Rumbridge Gardens and Osborne Road.
One local resident said: "Although it would be lovely to see this property redeveloped I have to object to the current plans. To build any residential property with no allocation for parking is ludicrous."
The site is currently occupied by a mixed use building that contained two shops on the ground floor with a one-bedroom flat above.
The application says: "The site has remained in a state of relative disrepair for several years and at present is undoubtedly an unattractive feature."
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