CONTROVERSIAL plans by former Saints hero Kevin Keegan to build 24 houses on the edge of a Hampshire town have been withdrawn.

The Manchester City boss, pictured, wanted to build an estate of four and five-bedroom luxury houses near Romsey but the application has been withdrawn after a luke warm response from Test Valley council planners.

The application by Ladybarn Properties Limited - which is half- owned by Keegan - was to build 24 upmarket homes at Oxlease Farm. But project manager Ken Thatcher has reported that the deal is now off.

"We were encouraged by the council to put in the application in the first place.

"The council has changed its mind. We are very unhappy about it. The proposal has suddenly found disfavour with the officers and members of the council, but they wanted it," he said.

As part of the planned development 140 acres of open space was being offered to Test Valley council for walkers, cyclists and kite flyers to enjoy.

Leader of Test Valley council, Councillor Ian Carr said: "The application was certainly against our local plan."

Planning permission for an 18-hole golf course, club house and practice range exists on the 140 acre site and Mr Thatcher said that plan may be resurected.