PROPOSALS to transform a defunct shopping parade into new homes have been flattened by councillors who say the buildings could still have a viable economic future.

And the decision puts extra pressure on developers who have controversially put up steel fences around the site at Avon View Parade, Burton, without permission - depriving many local residents of long-established parking spaces.

Now Christchurch Borough Council is planning enforcement action to have the unauthorised "cage" removed within weeks.

Bournemouth-based developers Holton Homes erected the two-metre high metal barrier after buying up the empty shops and flats in Avon View Road, and then submitted plans to convert the buildings into one-bedroom flats, together with two brand new two-storey homes on adjacent land.

The move infuriated many householders in the area who protested against the loss of vital parking spaces, which had been in use for 14 years, though the company insisted it needed a compound to store its building materials.

However, development services manager David Groom told the council's regulatory committee the finished scheme would undoubtedly worsen on-street parking problems in the area - and he remained unconvinced about the developers' efforts in marketing the site for future retail use.

"The key issue is the loss of retail shops.

"It is so easy to fabricate a lack of need, and we do not believe a thorough marketing exercise has been carried out," he said.

And he said the plan would make an "extremely bad, shoe-horned development", a view echoed by ward member Cllr David Flagg.

"These shop units have been empty for a considerable period of time and should be put to good use as something, but I am not sure this is the right proposal at all," he said.

The application was rejected - and while Cllr Flagg said the continued presence of the fence was "making a monkey out of the council", the borough is preparing an enforcement notice ordering its immediate removal.