There is overwhelming opposition to proposals that will see the site of the Rose in June pub, in Selsmore Road, Hayling Island, transformed into flats and houses.

The protest outside the former pub at the weekend was organised by Paul Fisher, chairman of the Hayling Island Residents' Association, who said there will be another one before the crucial planning meeting at Havant Borough Council's civic offices on Thursday, at 5pm.

He said: "Our goal was to make it clear to councillors on the development management committee that we disagree completely with the notion that there should be a change of use for the pub to flats and houses.

"The Rose in June closed three or four years ago but only because of poor management.

"Before that it was the most popular watering hole on Hayling and is perfectly positioned in the heart of the community on the island.

"Hayling has more than enough homes already.

"The problem is that the owners of the pub bought it before the downturn.

"Now pub prices have fallen and they feel the only option they have in order not to lose money is to develop it.

"Well, that's not what Hayling Island wants or needs. It's not our fault they made a bad business decision.

"We'll be there with our placards before the meeting to remind the councillors that we are against it."

Residents are also upset that the building has been allowed to fall to rack and ruin and has become a target for vandals.

The Grade II-listed barn next to the 180 year-old pub was burned down in an arson attack nearly two years ago.

Now planners at Havant Borough Council have recommended that councillors agree to the plans for a total of 12 new homes at the Selsmore Road site.

To commemorate the barn the developers, Monterrey Ltd, plan to plant a tree and put up a plaque detailing the history of the site.

Hayling councillor and Community Board member Andy Lenaghan said: "The board and the residents' association are very much against this.

"There have been 37 written objections and I would love to see a pub there but I'm a realist. It has been closed a very long time."

Monterrey was unavailable for comment.