PLANS to turn a former bank into a community building and flats have been given the go-ahead.

The building of the former Barclays bank is set to be demolished to build two flats and a community building which will feature a library on the ground floor.

The development is going to take place at St Andrews Buildings, on Hamble High Street.

The plans were put forward by Eastleigh Borough Council and have now been given the green light .

The Bursledon, Hamble-Le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee highlighted how the development will improve facilities for local residents and enhance the character of the Hamble conservation area.

Cllr Malcolm Cross said: “We tried to get the facilities for a long time, whether it’s a library or a community hub.

“The building makes the area better and I think this would be a good thing for the parish and for the community of the parish.”

However, concerns were raised about parking as the plans do not include a car park.

The highway authorities raised concerns about the capacity of the existing car park to accommodate the additional use and highlighted how the roadside parking is already “well utilised”.

But Cllr Jane Rich said: “ Having some experience of library and community building I have personally found that people walk to community building, they don’t take their cars. Parking is not such an issue with something like this. I fully support this."

The proposal was not supported by Cllr Elizabeth Lear who said: “We did need a building for pre-school children.

“I don’t agree with this. To me this is a very very expensive white elephant.”