RESIDENTS in a Hampshire village are celebrating plans to transform an “eyesore” site that has stood derelict for almost a decade.

Civic chiefs have approved an application to build shops and flats at Pylewell Road, Hythe – the scene of a demonstration last year by campaigners angry at the state of the land.

They complained that the site was covered in rubble, broken glass and the remains of a shed.

Now New Forest District Council has approved an outline application by H & H Developments for two shops and three flats.

A report to members of the planning and development control committee said the land was having a negative impact on the area.

Referring to a business that used to stand on the site it added: “Since its demolition many years ago the site has formed an unsightly gap in the street scene.

“It has a rather shabby appearance, with various materials strewn across the site and weeds breaking through the hard surfaces.

“In its current, rather neglected state the site significantly detracts from the character and appearance of the area, including the adjacent conservation area.”

Council officers urged the committee to support the application, which was approved without debate.

Former parish councillor Brian Dash, who took part in last year’s protest, welcomed plans to redevelop the site.

He said it was great news that the site was going to be transformed into something the community could use.

He said: “It’s a great relief.

“Significant sums have been spent on making Pylewell Road a really pleasant place but it’s been spoiled for a number of years by that awful site.

“I’m very pleased it’s going to return to being the sort of space that people can enjoy.”

Speaking at the time of the protest villager Ken Fox said it was vital something to improve the site was done.

He said: “There used to be boards surrounding the site to hide it from public view.

“Since they blew down all that’s been done is to erect netting, which does nothing except expose the rubbish tip that the site has become.

“It’s seriously affecting what is otherwise a pretty, pedestrian street lined by shops, offices and cafes.

“This is a public scandal in an attractive village that’s known as the gateway to the New Forest and relies heavily on the tourist trade.”

Since the protest wooden hoardings have been erected to screen the site, but residents and traders insisted it was still a blot on the landscape.