People living beside an industrial estate have won the first round of their battle to prevent one of the firms extending its opening hours.
Councillors went against the advice of planning officers and rejected an application from Screwfix Direct – even though the scheme would have created 18 full and part-time jobs.
Screwfix wanted to open until 8pm on weekdays, 6pm on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
The building supply firm occupies part of the Carvers Industrial Estate in Southampton Road, Ringwood, which is next to a conservation area.
People living nearby had objected to the proposal, saying it would result in extra noise and disturbance.
They pointed out that another company on the estate had recently been refused consent to open on Sundays and Saturday afternoons.
Now, residents must wait to learn if Screwfix will lodge an appeal with Government planners, who have the power to overturn the decision by New Forest District Council.
