Plans to build homes on unused land at the Bursledon Brickworks have been given the green light.

Twelve new homes, comprising of two and three-bedroom semi-detached houses, will be built on the Grade II-listed site.

The site boasts historically significant industrial buildings including a brickmaking kiln, processing sheds, specialised enclosures and engine and machinery houses, along with a café and a museum.

Concerns were previously raised by a senior planner at Eastleigh Borough Council, who said the land was deemed “unsuitable for housing” in the past.

But the application was approved by Fareham Borough Council at the start of October.

The properties will have gardens, amenities, and storage for bicycles and waste.

A date for the construction of the houses is to be confirmed.

The site, which covers 1.24 acres, sits south of the main museum buildings with access from Swanwick Lane.

This development supports the ongoing operation of the Brickwork Museum.

Previous planning permissions have allowed for the conversion of certain museum buildings into office spaces.

Planning documents submitted with the application said the museum required “substantial funding” to carry out vital repair and restoration works.

The document read: “The money required will come from a variety of sources, but these alone cannot raise the required funds to carry out the works.

“Therefore, the purpose of developing the land for residential dwellings is to enable the land to be sold to a developer in order to raise significant funds that can enable the works to the listed buildings to take place.”

Staff at the museum confirmed earlier this year it is not at risk of closure.

It followed confusion from residents that the site, along with other museums, was at risk of closure.

Trustees and staff said it is “not under any threat of closure” and said the museum is “thriving”.