PLANS to build a block of flats near Eastleigh's Boyatt Shopping Centre in Shakespeare Road have been thrown out by councillors - despite an officer's recommendation to give the go-ahead.

BW Properties wanted to build ten flats on the site next to Crestwood School, to the west of the shopping centre.

Members of the borough's Eastleigh local area committee decided that the style of the proposed block would clash with existing buildings. They were also unhappy about parking arrangements.

Councillors considered a new set of proposals, reducing the number of flats from 14 to ten - and the late change of plan was condemned by a neighbour, John Waugh, of Selwyn Gardens.

An angry Mr Waugh said residents had not had a chance to see the new plans before stating their case against the scheme.

He said three houses in Selwyn Gardens would be greatly affected and added: "It is wrong to house 30 to 40 people in such close proximity to my building."

But the proposal was supported by the head teacher of Crestwood School, Phil Munday, who told councillors: "The site is still quite ugly and tends to attract young people in the evening. I feel it would be beneficial to us as a school to have housing there."

He added that there was "not enough affordable housing" in the area.

The committee was told that the scheme had been "reduced significantly" and the proposed building was 150ft away from properties in Selwyn Gardens.