PLANS to turn a Hampshire hotel into flats have been given the go-ahead - despite several objections to the scheme.

The Four Seasons Hotel in Hamilton Road, Hythe, is a B&B whose customers include contract workers at the nearby Fawley refinery.

Coley Capital Ltd has been given planning permission to convert the three-storey building into six self-contained flats.

Hythe and Dibden Parish Council had urged New Forest District Council to reject the application.

In a letter to the authority it said: "The (planning) committee has concerns about the loss of a local place of employment and one of the few locations for accommodation for visitors within the parish."

The letter said the Four Seasons was hindered by its "non-central" location in the village.

But it added: "This is still a notable loss to local tourism requirements and we have concerns over its change of use for this reason.

"Furthermore, local residents have raised concerns over parking provision and safe accessibility in and out of the site."

But the proposed conversion has been approved, subject to conditions.

A report to councillors said: "It is understood that the hotel has operated as a B&B for a number of years but tourism has not proved economically viable, which has led to the owners running down that trade in favour of longer-term lets of the rooms to employees on contracts in the area.

"It is also understood the establishment has been marketed for sale as a B&B without any interest.

"The proposed conversion and change of use involves mostly internal alterations, with very limited changes to the outside of the building.

"The site is located within a predominantly residential area. The proposed use of the building as six flats is considered suitable and compatible.

"During the course of the application amended plans were received which increased the on-site parking provision from seven to nine spaces.

"The proposed development provides an acceptable level of car and cycle parking."

The application was accompanied by a letter from planning agent Bob Hull, representing Coley Capital.

He said: "Within the last few years, the typical B&B trade has diminished and profits fell to a low of just £15,000 in 2018.

"The location is not particularly attractive to prospective guests and visitors when compared to similar establishments in the New Forest itself."