PLANS to demolish two homes and outbuildings to create six new ones have received backing from Fordingbridge Town Council.

The application for the development on Provost Street, which has been submitted to New Forest District Council (NFDC) by Imperial Homes Commercial Ltd, was discussed by the town council’s planning committee last week.

The plans also include car ports and car parking for the new properties.

Councillor Alan Lewendon said there had previously been an application for eight houses on the site, which the town council supported but it had been turned down by the district council. Then there had been another application for six houses, which had again been supported by the town council but refused by NFDC.

Cllr Lewendon told the meeting that the case officer and conservation seem “more happy” with the proposals put forward. He said: “There isn’t a dramatic change from what we last saw.”

The layout of the properties, the meeting heard, had been turned 90 degrees which the conservation officer felt gave it a more open, courtyard feel than before.

Cllr Lewendon said four buildings would be demolished to make way for the new properties.

Objections brought up by members of the public said that shops located near to the plots were close and there could be noise problems, as well as security issues.

The meeting heard there would be 12 parking spaces for residents and one for visitors.

“This will certainly tidy up an area and provide us with six houses within the conservation area of the town, which I think can only enhance the site,” added Cllr Lewendon. Councillor Anna Wilson recommended supporting the application too and said: “It is a good use of land and providing much-needed accommodation in the town with parking.”

Members of the committee agreed to support the application. NFDC will decide whether permission is granted.