A MAJOR firm could pull out of a village near Southampton if it is not able to expand.

Contact lens firm CooperVision might quit Hamble if it cannot acquire land to secure its future.

Bosses are struggling to find the necessary land because so much was earmarked for new homes rather than industry.

Company spokesman Bill Everton appeared before Eastleigh council's ruling Cabinet to ask to save land at Ensign Way for industrial use rather than new homes.

He told councillors that CooperVision employed 1,400 people on six sites - three of which were in Hamble - and wanted to expand and secure its future in the village. But negotiations were being blighted by the high price placed on land for residential development.

But civic chiefs have ignored the pleas.

They also rejected a 200-signature petition from nearby residents who are fighting plans to build homes on the site.

Land owner Adrian English said: "This site has now been vacant for 14 years. I'm sure no one would want to see it remain vacant for another ten years, particularly with government pressure to develop brownfield sites."

Planning officer Graham Tuck had told the Cabinet: "There is still enough employment land in the borough to meet the needs for the next ten years without the need to save this particular site for industry."