A HAMPSHIRE football club has scored another victory - planning permission for a clubhouse and hospitality building.

Totton and Eling FC has been given the go-ahead to build the timber-framed facility at its ground off Salisbury Ground, Calmore.

Its comes just weeks after neighbouring AFC Totton received consent to build a "healthy living centre" for people deemed to be at risk of heart disease.

Run by Southampton-based Wessex Heartbeat, the centre will form part of a new 468-seater stand at AFC Totton's ground.

Now Totton and Eling FC has also been given permission to upgrade its ground.

The club highlighted the importance of the scheme in a letter sent to New Forest District Council earlier this year.

It said: "The club are now in a position to move forward with this project and have secured the funds. The clubhouse will make a huge difference to our club, our youth teams and our links to the community."

The proposal was supported by Totton and Eling Town Council, which said the single-storey facility would be in keeping with existing buildings on the site.

A report to district councillors said the club had identified a need to provide extra facilities, including additional changing rooms.

Citing the "modest size" of the new building the report added: "It is considered the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the character of the area."

Trees, access arrangements and parking provision at the club would not be affected by the scheme.

"The proposed development is acceptable in principle as it would provide additional facilities to support the existing recreational use of the club," added the report.

​Last year another sports club in the town, Tottonians RFC, was given permission for a single-storey addition to its clubhouse, a balcony extension and a tractor store.

A report to councillors said the proposed development aimed to respect the recreational character of the site at Water Lane.

It added: "The scale of the development, together with the selection of external materials, would help it blend in with the surrounding context.

"Moreover, the location of the site, away from public vantage points, would reduce the visual impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area."

The report said the gap between the site and the nearest homes meant the scheme would not have an overbearing impact or result in noise, overlooking or light pollution.