PLANNING officers in the New Forest are studying objections to a multi-million-pound housing scheme in Totton town centre.

McCarthy & Stone (Developments) Ltd has unveiled proposals to build 50 flats and two shops on a derelict site between Ringwood Road and Water Lane.

Representatives from the company praised the scheme at a meeting attended by town centre traders and residents.

However, members of Totton and Eling Town Council's planning and transport advisory committee subsequently voted to lodge a strong objection to the proposed development. They cited a long list of concerns, including the provision of only 12 parking places.

Several members of the committee also slated the size and design of the building, part of which will be four storeys high.

Totton county councillor Edith Randall said it resembled a Victorian warehouse, while council chairman Robin Harrison said the proposal looked like a barrack block.

Councillor Dave Hibbert said: "I went round to local businesses that will be affected by this scheme and they all felt that the building was far too high.

"It will create a tunnel effect, cutting out a lot of light."

Committee chairman George Dart said the massive scheme would dominate the area and would have a "horrendous" impact on some of the nearby shops.

He also feared for the safety of pensioners living in the proposed new flats, saying Water Lane was one of Totton's most dangerous routes.

Vice-chairman Neal Scott commented: "Old people don't want to be clogged together in a huge complex surrounded by three busy roads.

"This scheme has not been looked at properly and should be thrown out."

Tony Huggett, a planning officer employed by New Forest District Council, is studying the committee's objections to the application.

The district council is likely to determine the proposal in the next few weeks.