CIVIC chiefs are fighting plans to build an extra two flats beside a former Hampshire cinema.

Roxan Homes has asked New Forest District Council for planning permission to construct additional flats behind The Old Cinema in Maynard Road, Totton.

Roxan already has consent to build four homes on the site, which is next to the Asda supermarket.

The application says: “The previous application proposed a high-quality development that would contribute the vitality of the local area and significantly enhance the street scene.

“The current proposals retain all the elements of the previously approved scheme and, through a slight increase in height of the proposed development, seek to achieve an addition two flats which would be accommodated within the two substantial roof voids.

"Achieving six flats within what is more or less the same building makes better use of the land."

But the application is being opposed by Totton and Eling Town Council, which is concerned about a potential shortage of car parking spaces.

In a letter to the district council it says: "Demand for parking in this area is very high and it would be unacceptable to put additional housing, with no new parking, in an area with no on-street parking and no prospect of a space.

"The application is clearly contrary to parking standards policy and would cause further pressures on residential and

communal car parks in the area."