CAMPAIGNERS have won a six-month battle to save the only historic building in a Hampshire parish.

Council chiefs have approved a new-look scheme that retains the former Blackfield Infant School, which was originally due to be demolished to make way for scores of homes.

Placard-waving demonstrators staged a protest outside the gates after workmen began to demolish the building in February.

The 80-year-old structure, in Hampton Lane, was formerly a golf clubhouse built by the de Rothschild family, owners of nearby Exbury Gardens.

The land was eventually sold to Hampshire County Council, which replaced the fairways with classrooms. After the school closed it was sold to Linden Homes, which obtained outline planning permission to bulldoze the building and construct more than 40 homes on the site.

Villagers condemned the proposal, saying it would result in the loss of the only piece of heritage in their community.

Less than 24 hours after residents staged their demonstration, Linden halted demolition work and pledged to save the structure.

Now New Forest District Council has approved a revised scheme after receiving a petition signed by more than 1,500 people.

A Linden spokesman said: "Planning permission was granted by the council following comprehensive consultation with the parish council, residents' groups and the local community at large.

"The company responded to popular demand and is to retain the former clubhouse."

Delighted Blackfield councillor Alexis McEvoy, one of the people who led the fight to save the school, is delighted that the new plans have been passed.

She said: "Linden Homes was not aware that the people of Blackfield wanted the building to be retained.

"They suddenly found themselves caught up in a furore and to their credit addressed the situation immediately.

"The company has put into place a scheme that enables them to retain the building and incorporate it into their plans for the site."