The Players pub in Water Lane, Totton

Totton and Eling Town Council has given its verdict on proposals to redevelop a Water Lane site currently occupied by The Players, which was built in the 1930s.

Town councillors are urging New Forest District Council (NFDC) to approve the application.

In a letter to the authority they say the demolition of The Players would result in the loss of a community facility but acknowledge the watering hole has been shut since 2017.

The letter adds: "The redevelopment of the pub would not represent an unnecessary loss of a local facility and alternative facilities are within the local area.

"The proposal is for six new dwellings - four three-bedroom dwellings and two two-bedroom houses.

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"The layout and design of the dwellings is in keeping with other nearby dwellings. Areas of green space to the front of the site is a welcome addition, rather than the houses being adjacent to the footpath."

The council has also been contacted by a Water Lane resident who says a proposed courtyard could lead to anti-social behaviour.

He adds: "The construction phase should include measures to protect the amenity of the local residents, including a construction management plan and a dust management plan."

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Rich Anderton, of nearby Hammonds Green, praises the layout and says the electric gates to the parking area "will make my garden safer".

The Wellington Pub Company is asking NFDC to approve plans to replace the pub with six homes equipped with what it describes as zero-emission boilers.

The application claims the technology increases a property's energy efficiency "above and beyond" building regulations.

"It's this type of solution that will be essential to meeting current and future policies in respect of energy efficiency/carbon reduction and meeting the requirements of the upcoming Future Homes Standards," it says.

"This technology is much more efficient than gas and electric boilers and has numerous advantages."

"The proposal represents a policy-compliant scheme which would make effective use of under-utilised land and is an appropriate form of development which would provide much-needed housing."