A CONTROVERSIAL makeover of one of Winchester's most hated buildings is now looking inevitable.

Hampshire county councillors have approved a scheme to revamp Ashburton Court, pictured, at a cost of some £40m.

The council wants to remove the top storey of the 1960s office block, re-clad it and make it more energy-efficient and cheaper to run.

A cafe/restaurant would be provided along with a 200-seat auditorium.

About 200 car parking spaces would be lost but these would be replaced with cycle parking to encourage more eco-friendly travel.

The council regulatory committee has now approved the scheme by five votes to four with one abstention. A final decision on whether to definitely go ahead will be made by the county council Cabinet soon.

Opponent councillor Mark Cooper said: "It is true the building needs to be made more usable, needs to be made sustainable and needs refurbishment.

"There are some positives. Re-creating pedestrian permeability through the site, forming public friendly' reception areas and reducing the building's carbon footprint are all welcomed.

"What is also proposed is a cosmetic job' that will actually have more of a visual impact than the current building.

"By re-cladding in brick, Winchester ends up with the worst of both worlds - a massive building - but in red rather than grey."