CIVIC chiefs are seeking urgent talks with port bosses over a large area of industrial land overlooking Southampton Water.

Eling Wharf has been bought by Associated British Ports (ABP), sparking fears that a multi-million pound plan to transform the 41-acre site will never go ahead.

Now Totton and Eling Town Council has invited Southampton port director Alastair Welch to outline the company’s intentions.

As reported by the Daily Echo, previous owners Burt Bolton Holdings had been in talks with councillors and residents over plans to build homes and a supermarket in a scheme that would created 350 jobs.

But campaigners fear ABP’s purchase of the wharf means it will now become an extension to Southampton docks.

Cllr David Harrison said: “Accepting that the hoped-for re-generation scheme will almost certainly now not happen, I think the council needs to be kept closely informed about any proposed changes.

“Even a suggested ‘tidying up’ of the site might prove problematic, especially if it means removing trees and hedges in order to install new fencing.

“Many of us will be feeling the same sense of profound disappointment that the site will continue to be used in much the same way, with lorries coming and going 24/7.

“However, it’s important to be pragmatic and try to do what we can, especially for people living nearby.”

Last night ABP said it would welcome the chance to discuss its plans for the land with representatives from the town and district councils.

A spokesman said: “ABP Southampton plans to improve the look and feel of the site, with a view to tackling more deep-seated challenges that are a legacy of the land’s industrial use.”

Cllr Harrison has raised the wharf’s future with the district council, citing contamination and other issues.

In its response the council refers to talks that took place in 2010, saying all the parties involved agreed that redevelopment of the site would be the best way forward.

It adds: “The new owners have been contacted and we are awaiting a date to discuss their future short term and longer term plans for the site.“Any discussions will include how future proposals may impact on noise, air quality, contaminated land and planning.”

ABP’s decision to buy Eling Wharf was announced at the end of last month.

Speaking at the time port director Alastair Welch said: “As we progressively enhance the site over the next five years, we will work with the council to explore longer term options.”