PLANS to replace a house with a block of eight flats have been given the go-ahead.

A J Developments has been given planning permission to demolish a property at Barton Common Road, Barton on Sea, and redevelop the site.

New Milton Town Council had urged New Forest District Council (NFDC) to reject the application.

But a report to NFDC members said: "New residential development can be acceptable within built-up areas such as this, subject to there being no adverse impact on the residential or visual amenities of the area, protected trees, highway safety, ecology and designated European Sites.

"No objection can be raised to the loss of the existing dwelling and, given other properties in the area there is no objection to the provision of flats on this site."