PLANS to replace a fire-ravaged community hall are likely to be given the go-ahead - despite opposition from parish councillors.

Members of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) are being urged to approve proposals to demolish the building at Strawberry Fields, East Boldre, and build a like-for-like facility on the same site.

In April last year, the timber-clad hall was engulfed in flames in a blaze tackled by 50 firefighters.

East Boldre Parish Council is supporting the demolition element of the application, saying the remains of the building are a health and safety hazard. But it is opposing plans to build a new hall on the grounds the village has other public meeting places.

The proposal is due to be decided by the NPA's planning committee on Tuesday, September 20.

An NPA report says: "The proposal is to demolish the remains of the damaged structure and replace it with a new building of the same design and dimensions.

"There can be no objection to the removal of the existing building, which is an eyesore and potentially hazardous."

The report says the site is in an area where new development is strictly controlled to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the national park.

But it adds: "The proposed development seeks to reinstate a former community facility which has been recently and accidentally destroyed.

"It has been demonstrated that it can be accommodated on the site without undue harm to the character and appearance of the area or neighbour amenity."

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook.