PLANS to build two four-bedroom houses and move a public footpath have been given the green light.

New Forest District Council has approved an outline application relating to a piece of land between two existing homes at Wheelers Walk, Blackfield.

A report to councillors said: "A permissive footpath (not a public right of way) runs through the site.

"The applicant/landowner is not under a legal obligation to provide or continue to provide this footpath.

"However, the application includes a preserved footpath link in the interests of continuing to serve the local community."

The report said several objections to the application were based on the likely impact of the proposed development on neighbours.

But it added: "The site is considered to be of a reasonable size to accommodate two detached four-bed dwellings.

"The proposal constitutes a sustainable form of development within an existing urban area and is considered acceptable in terms of access and scale."