IT WILL be built.

Bosses behind a multi-million-pound plan to transform a prime waterfront site have vowed to forge ahead with the scheme, which is expected to create at least 350 jobs.

Totton landowner Burt Boulton Holdings (BBH) wants to redevelop the 37-acre Eling Wharf – often described as one of the town’s biggest eyesores.

Progress has been slower than expected since the scheme was unveiled five years ago.

But BBH is determined to go ahead with the ambitious project, which includes housing, a supermarket and the removal of unsightly containers towering over historic Eling village.

Last night New Forest District Council confirmed it was in pre-application talks with the developer.

The announcement will be welcomed by Eling residents and everyone else who is anxious to see progress being made.

A Totton and Eling Town Council spokesman said: “We’d hoped that things would have moved forward more quickly than they have done.”

Totton county councillor David Harrison added: “There was an extensive public consultation a couple of years ago, with the promise of a planning application and a commitment that we’d all be kept updated.

“Sadly, communications with local people have since been very poor.

“I’m told the scheme has not been shelved. The agents are still actively working on the scheme and are in discussions with the district council. There are commercial and technical issues that involve other parties.”

But Cllr Harrison added: “Things seems to be moving at a disappointingly slow pace.”

The first major announcement about the future of the site was made in 2012, with BBH hoping to submit an application the following year.

Proposals published in its “masterplan” included an access off the A35 to prevent vehicles using narrow residential streets to reach the proposed development.

The scheme was welcomed by Totton councillor Di Brooks.

She said: “We’re quite impressed with what the landowners are trying to do. Eling Wharf is currently an eyesore – all those containers stacked on top of each other don’t give a very good impression.”

An updated version of the proposed development was unveiled in 2015.

Project manager Eric Hall said: “We’re still working on the project but it’s a large and complicated site and there are a number of third parties.”

Mr Hall said the company was not working to any particular timescale.