PLANNERS are being urged to approve a multi-million pound project to bulldoze one of the New Forest's biggest eyesores.

Southampton-based Crayfern Homes Ltd has unveiled proposals to flatten a group of abandoned buildings, branded a shanty town by furious nearby residents.

Crayfern is seeking planning permission to replace the dilapidated properties in Water Lane, Totton, with a block of smart flats.

New Forest District Council is likely to debate the application next month.

Totton's campaign to become an attractive gateway to the proposed New Forest National Park will receive a huge boost if the scheme is approved.

The town centre site is just yards from the main shopping area.

But the land is occupied by a group of derelict bungalows that have been targeted by vandals and arsonists.

A Crayfern spokesman said the company was planning to transform the eyesore site by building 14 self-contained two-bedroom apartments.

He added: "What's there at the moment is absolutely diabolical.

"The main thing is to get that shanty town demolished as quickly as possible and replace all those dilapidated shacks with something decent.

"If we get planning permission next month we aim to get the site cleared within weeks.

"We believe the new apartments will appeal to first-time buyers, plus elderly people who want to live within walking distance of the shops."

The scheme was welcomed by Totton councillor Steve Shepherd.

He said: "The town council has expressed concern that the block will be too close to ordinary-sized homes and could be slightly overpowering.

"But it's in keeping with what's being done on the other side of the road.

"And it will be a relief to get rid of the existing eyesore, which has been there for a long time."