CONTROVERSIAL plans to revamp the site of a former supermarket in Hedge End have been thrown out.
Borough councillors in Eastleigh rejected the proposal to build up to 77 new homes and shops at the site of the former Budgens Store on Upper Northam Road.
The planning application was put forward by Hedge End Holdings Ltd and aimed at creating residential apartments, a shop, a restaurant, a hot food takeaway and parking spaces at the site.
The company had previously said that the proposal would be the start of a regeneration plan for Hedge End.
But town civic bosses described the plans as a monstrosity.
Jerry Hall, borough councillor for Hedge End St John’s ward, said: “I was really pleased that the plans have been turned down, 77 dwellings are far too many for that site.
“The car parking in Hedge End is terrible and that plan didn’t help with that at all.”
The plans were also refused because of the fact that residents of the proposed new flats could experience odours, noise and disturbance.
Planners also said that the application failed to demonstrate that a satisfactory level of on-site car parking, cycle storage and a suitable internal layout for vehicles could be provided without detriment to the existing local community.
Cllr Hall said the site is more suitable for a new supermarket.
“This is what residents have been asking for. And if that happens there’s already a big car park that could be used”, he added.
The Daily Echo contacted the developer Hedge End Holdings for a comment but it was unable to provide one before the newspaper went to press.