PLANS to transform the entrance to a Hampshire town have taken a major step forward.

Members of New Forest District Council have backed proposals to replace "poor quality" housing at Commercial Road, Totton, with a two-storey block of flats.

Council officers have been authorised to grant planning permission, subject to the completion of a legal agreement.

The site, which overlooks one of the main routes in and out of the town, is currently dominated by old buildings and large advertising hoardings.

A report to councillors said the land was occupied by a semi-detached house, two flats in the other half of the building and a commercial unit.

It added: "The existing accommodation is of poor quality and would therefore not weigh against the scheme. Demolition of the buildings would remove the less attractive features from this prominent site.

"The scheme would deliver additional residential development in a highly sustainable location with economic, environmental and social benefits."

The proposal to build 11 flats on the site was submitted by 220230 Ltd, of Leigh Road, Eastleigh.

A design and access statement that formed part of the application said: "The road is a main route into the centre of Totton.

"The existing buildings on the site have no merit and do not create an attractive entrance to Totton. The proposal will have much softer appearance."

Describing the flats as a vast improvement on the existing buildings the statement said the scheme aimed to "regenerate" the eastern end of Commercial Road.

It adds: "The current street scene is not one of merit.

"The replacement of the existing tired buildings and removal of advertising hoarding will greatly enhance the street scene and should be welcomed.

"The application makes efficient use of brownfield land and provides much-needed residential accommodation suited to young professionals in the area.

"Other material considerations do not have sufficient weight to justify a refusal of the application."

Under the proposed legal agreement the applicant will have to pay £24,104 towards reducing the impact of the scheme on New Forest habitats, £2,888 towards the Bird Aware Solent mitigation scheme, and £680 towards the cost of air quality monitoring.

No building work can start until a construction management plan has been approved in writing by the council.

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