UPDATED plans to transform part of Eastleigh High Street by redeveloping a former post office site have been given the go-ahead.
An application to replace the existing buildings with retail units and 28 flats was approved by the Eastleigh Local Area Committee last year.
Now proposed changes to the design, including amended floor plans, have also been given the green light.
A planning officers' report said: "The application seeks planning permission for the comprehensive redevelopment of the site incorporating the demolition of the existing buildings and the provision of two separate blocks."
The application sparked 70 letters of protest and just one of support.
Objectors cited the loss of historic buildings on the site and the "negative impact" on the architectural character of the High Street. Some said the facade of the post office should be retained.
But the report said the general principle of the proposed development was acceptable.
It added: "The post office building has been vacant for some time and presently contributes little by way of vitality and viability to the centre of Eastleigh.
READ MORE: Furious Eastleigh residents say post office should be kept open
"The provision of new housing in the town centre in combination with other uses is encouraged within the Eastleigh Town Centre Vision document.
"It is important however that the commercial uses do not conflict with the upper floor residential uses."
The report said the existing buildings occupied a large proportion of the site but represented an inefficient use of the town centre land.
"It is therefore considered that the site presents an opportunity to provide a high-quality development of a more significant scale which both improves the appearance of the land and brings it back into active use.
"The development is acceptable in terms of use, layout, design and impact on the character of the area."
READ MORE: Eastleigh Borough Council buys former post office for £650,000
As reported in the Daily Echo, the initial application was approved by the Eastleigh Local Area Committee on January 19 2021.
The applicant, Eastleigh Borough Council, said the proposal aimed to promote economic regeneration as well as enhancing links between High Street and Market Street.
READ MORE: Plan to build shop and flats on former post office site given the green light
The chairman of the committee, Cllr Tina Campbell, described the scheme as "bold and exciting", saying it would help kickstart the regeneration of the town centre.
She added: "It will provide retail space as well as much-needed affordable housing."
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