A DEVELOPER is making a last-ditch attempt to build social housing in Totton town centre.

Southampton-based Roxan Construction is appealing against refusal of planning permission for 18 homes on former industrial land near the High Street.

The housing scheme, submitted earlier this year, was welcomed by people living in the area.

They said the number of heavy lorries rumbling past their small terraced homes would increase if the land was once again used for industry.

But Roxan's application was thrown out by the district council, which said the scheme would result in the loss of much-needed employment land. Now, Roxan has lodged an appeal with the Department for Trans-port, Local Government and the Regions.

A company spokesman said: "The New Forest District Local Plan seeks to preserve employment land, but allows exceptions where a change of use would be of overriding benefit to the community.

"Our proposal conforms with the local plan by providing low-cost housing at a suitable density."

The spokesman said the company's proposal to build ten houses and eight flats would create fewer traffic problems than industrial development on the site.

He added: "The scheme has a satisfactory relationship with adjoining residents and a neighbouring commercial use, and an acceptable environment can be created for the occupants of the proposed development."

Plans for 18 homes on the site were thrown out by the district council in September, despite the serious shortage of social housing at Totton. Councillors also rejected Roxan's alternative proposal to build a warehouse on the land.

The company had been hoping to end the stalemate surrounding the site by gaining permission for one or other of its schemes.