Totton planners are backing the latest attempt to transform a town centre eyesore.

They are supporting proposals by McCarthy & Stone to build 45 flats and four shops on derelict land between Ringwood Road and Water Lane.

The site, just yards from the town's largest shops, is currently occupied by a row of abandoned bungalows.

McCarthy & Stone's previous attempt to redevelop the land was blocked by New Forest District Council after attracting a spate of objections.

Critics said the proposed development would have an adverse impact on adjoining properties and the street scene.

They claimed the block was too tall and, combined with existing buildings of a similar height, would create a "tunnel" effect in Water Lane.

Some of the objectors also accused the applicant of failing to include enough shops.

Now a revised scheme has gained the backing of Totton Town Council, which says the new proposals are a vast improvement on the original design.

Planning committee members were told that the previous three and four-storey development had been replaced by a two and three-storey scheme.

A report by planning officer Roger Hill said the application would also benefit the area by providing an unbroken of line of shops along Water Lane.

The report added: "Some of the windows are still relatively close to the gardens of adjoining homes, but the impact could be reduced."

Councillor George Dart warned that the scheme could increase the amount of traffic in Water Lane, but said the applicant had reduced the "excessive" height of the previous proposal and cut the number of flats from 50 to 45.

He added: "The developer appears to have carefully revised the scheme in the light of objections to the original plan."

The district council will determine the application later this year.