PLANS to open a new Decathlon store in the Eastleigh borough have been put on hold.

The French sports retailer was expected to open a new branch at Bradbeers Retail Park in Hedge End, after planning permission was granted in February.

But the company has now confirmed that the negotiations have been put on hold, after the firm reached its maximum capacity for new stores in 2018.

Meanwhile, it has confirmed that a new branch will soon be opened in Portsmouth but the company reiterated that Decathlon UK's requirement for a store in Portsmouth is not related to Hedge End.

In an official statement it said: "Decathlon UK were in negotiations with the landlord at Bradbeers Retail Park at Hedge End in 2017 for a new store.

"This was planned to be in addition to the existing store at West Quay, Southampton and a new store at Binnacle Way, Portsmouth. However, Decathlon UK reached maximum capacity for new stores in 2018 so the negotiations were put on hold."

The Daily Echo asked Decathlon if it is still considering to open a store at Bradbeers Retail Park in 2019 or in the following years and the company said it is reviewing future plans for the catchment.

Kevin Stansfield, non-executive director of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said the store would be a good addition to the area.

And added: "It was sad to see that a company such as Decathlon has stopped its plans to move into the vibrant retail park at Hedge End.

"This would have been a good addition to the area and I am sure would have been a successful store for them.

"Perhaps it is further indication of the caution that retailers have at the moment."

Council leader Keith House said: "I am saddened that Decathlon will not be coming to Hedge End but hope that the vacant unit at Bradbeers Retail Park will soon be let".

Eastleigh MP Mims Davies said this was disappointing news.

And added:"Since I became the local MP, I’ve had the pleasure of learning about the vast array of sports that people play both in Hedge End and across the wider constituency, so know that there is definitely a strong potential local customer base.”