A NEW battle is looming over plans to bulldoze a former Waterside pub and replace it with more than 30 flats.

Linden Homes has lodged an appeal against refusal of planning permission to redevelop the site of the Waterside Inn in Southampton Road, Hythe.

New Forest District Council rejected the controversial application earlier this year.

It claimed that Linden's proposal to build three blocks of flats on the site would result in a "bland, imposing and austere" development at one of the main entrances to the village centre.

Now Linden has lodged an appeal with the government's planning inspectorate, which has the power to overturn the council's decision.

A letter accompanying the appeal refers to talks that took place between Linden and the council before the application was determined.

"A number of matters were agreed with the authority," it says. "The loss of the former public house use and the residential development of the site was acceptable in planning policy terms."

The letter says the 34 flats would not have an adverse impact on people living near the pub.

Referring to the subsequent decision to reject the application, it says the design of the flats is appropriate to the site and its surroundings.

The letter adds: "The proposal is an appropriate and efficient re-use of a vacant brownfield site within the urban area of Hythe, sustainably located within walking distance of the village centre and other local facilities.

"It accords with government guidance and will cause no demonstrable harm to any interest of acknowledged importance."

However, residents have claimed that the scheme would create extra traffic problems at the junction of Southampton Road and Jones Lane - scene of several accidents.

The busy roads are used by people driving to Hythe Marina, the main shopping area and the local police station.