PLANS to turn a former Waterside shop into seven flats have been thrown out.

Proposals to convert the old Langley Stores in Lepe Road, Langley, into homes were rejected by the district council's planning committee.

Planning officers said the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the area generating noise and disturbance.

They also claimed that the large number of off-street parking places would result in too many vehicle movements.

Fawley Parish Council had supported the application and several members of the committee also said it should be approved.

Lymington councillor Kevin Ault said: "We are being told that seven flats would be less quiet than a store, which I find impossible to believe."

New Milton member Alan Rice said Langley Stores had been closed for more than a year.

He added: "Some form of regeneration would be appropriate, and the officers don't seem too excited about their reasons for refusal."

Forest North councillor David Scott said only one of the local parish councillors had lodged an objection to the application.

However, a report to the committee criticised the scheme and its potential impact on a house at nearby Forge Road.

It said: "The activity generated by seven flats in such close proximity to this dwelling would significantly and unacceptably reduce the amenities of this property.

"There would be less impact on other adjacent properties, but their quiet amenities would also be affected to an unacceptable extent."

The application, by Pentagon Properties, was rejected by an overwhelming majority.