PROTESTERS failed to block a controversial waterfront development in Warsash - after no-one turned up to speak against the plan.

Residents' leaders claim their group was unaware the crunch meeting about proposals to build four luxury town houses on the former Eduardo's restuarant site was taking place.

The art deco plans won nothing but praise from those who spoke at the meeting of Fareham council's planning development committee.

Warsash Residents' Association had pledged to fight the plans to build the homes on the grounds of an inappropriate design and lack of car parking but none of their concerns were discussed at the meeting.

Chairman Derek Woodward said the association was unaware the development was due to be discussed at last night's meeting.

He said: "We don't get notification when items are due to be discussed. It was only by chance I came across the item on the agenda earlier this week when I was in the council offices.By then it was too late to air our concerns about the development."

Developers Drew Smith Homes took 18 months to come up with the plans for the town houses on Shore Road that will cost around £500,000.

Despite a public exhibition showing off the designs and plans, Warsash Residents' Association remained unconvinced the development was suitable.

Residents will now try to negotiate with the developer over their concerns when the finalised plans for the homes are published.