Pets at Home has won its battle to build a new store in a Hampshire town after having an original planning application turned down by local councillors.

The original application for the store at Hedge End Retail Park was refused after objections were raised regarding the choice of site, the lack of road improvements around the store, and impact on existing businesses.

The Pets at Home shop will employ about 25 full-time staff and will be constructed on what is currently a car park for nearby premises including Homebase, Currys and PC World.

Eastleigh Council gave Pets at Home the green light this time around but concerns were again raised regarding heavy goods vehicle and delivery times but the panel voted seven to three in favour of the proposals.

Cllr Jane Welsh, the deputy mayor, said: “I suppose people will welcome the store, which is a really good store, but I’m not sure it’s in the right place.

“Even with conditions I do not think this will work. At very busy times it really is a problem now, and I think it will be even worse.”