PLANNING chiefs in the New Forest have seen one of their decisions overturned.

James Willis lodged an appeal after an application to upgrade a detached chalet bungalow in Coombe Lane, Sway, was turned down by the New Forest National Park Authority.

Mr Willis had sought consent to improve the property by building extensions and making other alterations.

Now government-appointed planning inspector Helen O'Connor has upheld the appeal.

She said the bungalow "has little architectural merit, having an overly complex roof form and a standardised conservatory typical of a suburban dwelling.

"The proposal would remodel and extend the dwelling to provide improved and

enlarged residential accommodation.

"Moreover the timber-framed glazed gable on the rear elevation would add interest to an otherwise mundane building."