A GROUP of campaigners trying to save a historic Hampshire pub has reacted with disgust to the latest plans for a new housing scheme.

Linden Breamore were forced back to the drawing board when Hamble residents fought to preserve the Bugle Inn from being converted to private accommodation.

Now the company has said the grade II listed building will remain as a pub or restaurant.

The 1960s-built restaurant extension, kitchen, service area and car park will be converted into a site of luxury houses and flats if the latest planning bid is approved.

Villagers have said the new plans are not good enough and without the support of the external buildings the pub will be unable to make a profit.

David Aspinall, a chartered accountant of Manor Court, Hamble, said: "What they're offering is something we believe won't be commercially viable and will have a very limited life before that too becomes a house.

"We don't want to have to go through all the business of more petitions and more meetings but we will if we have to."

Retailer and Save the Bugle Inn campaigner Rashmi Chande, of River Green, Hamble, said: "They are only paying lip service to the residents of Hamble."

John Madin, of the Solent Protection Society, said: "There should be no change of use but they've even gone further in that they have actually destroyed the possibility of running the Bugle as a pub."

Mike O'Brien, director of design and planning for Linden Homes (Southern Ltd) maintained the new designs not only complied with residents' wishes but were also of a very high quality.

"We think this is a top-drawer scheme for the last remaining little jewel for development sites along the south coast."

Leader of Eastleigh Council Keith House said: "This is the best route forward for Hamble by allowing good quality housing which fits in with Hamble's traditional style but at the same time keeps the Bugle frontage on to the High Street."

The latest application for planning permission will be considered on August 28.