An appeal has been lodged after plans to install six rapid electric vehicle charging stations were refused.

An application relating to a retail park in Commercial Road, Totton, was turned down by New Forest District Council in August 2023.

Under the plan eight existing parking spaces will become EV charging bays, along with associated equipment.

A council report outlining its reasons for rejecting the application said: "The proposed development would result in the loss of an important soft landscaped area, including recently planted trees, and a proliferation of infrastructure on a visually prominent frontage and corner of the site which would prove harmful to the wider character and appearance of the plot within the street scene.

"While the council supports the provision of electric vehicle charging points in principle, in this case the benefits of such provision would not outweigh the significant harm identified to the character and appearance of the plot."

The applicant, InstaVolt, is hoping a government-appointed planning inspector will quash the council's decision.