IT HAS sparked comparisons to a multi-storey car park, a cable car station and a Second World War gun emplacement.

Now a proposal to build a £1.2 million cafe-bar on a Hampshire quay has been axed following an avalanche of objections to the design.

New Forest District Council has withdrawn its own planning application and says it has “no plans” to submit a revised scheme.

It follows comments received during the public consultation period and a “significant rise” in the anticipated cost of construction.

The council leader, Cllr Edward Heron, said: “Of course we are disappointed it has come to this but it’s important we get this right.

“We have listened and it’s absolutely the right thing to do to withdraw this project, especially as estimated costs have increased by 25 per cent.

“We are now talking with our partners so that a prudent approach can be planned for any future improvements to the area.

“Many of the excellent elements developed by Snug Architects were well received but we are not willing to ignore the number of negative comments this proposal received.

“Nor can we accept the increased risk of escalating costs as a result of the widespread cost inflation of construction materials.”

As reported, the council was planning to replace the existing showers and toilets in the quay with new facilities including a cafe-bar with a rooftop terrace.

But the proposal sparked scores of objections from people living in the town. Most were highly critical of the design while others said the facility would result in noise, anti-social behaviour and other issues.

Oliver Dunne, of Stanley Close, said: “The proposal is hideous and out of keeping.”

Pamela Hughes, of St Anne’s Gardens, added: “It’s a dreadful design that is set to ruin the best part of our beautiful town.”

Fellow objectors described the building as “unnecessarily brutal”, “excessively overbearing” and a “ghastly carbuncle”.

Critics included a former Lymington councillor, John Olliff-Cooper, who claimed the proposed development was “inexcusably ugly”.

The council says the existing facilities will now be refurbished.