A BLOT on the New Forest coastline looks likely to be transformed into a major attraction after a makeover worth more than £700,000 was approved.

The first of three stages required to authorise a scheme to give Hythe Promenade a much-needed facelift has been passed.

Original plans ran into crisis when costs soared but a revised scheme to turn the concrete cul-de-sac into a 21st century gem was made more cost effective.

It will include an amphitheatre for outdoor events behind the Lord Nelson pub, an elevated boardwalk, a central grassed area and improved car parking.

Cllr Jonathan Glen, executive member for spatial strategy, gave the scheme the green light on Frida.

It will now be considered by the buildings, land and procurement panel at Hampshire County Council on February 2 and the exec-utive member for policy and resources, Cllr Ken Thornber, on February 17.

Work should start in May and will take six months to complete if it goes ahead.

Hythe county councillor Brian Dash said: "I am absolutely delighted. I think it's a super scheme which everyone wants, and a piece of 1960s grot will now be turned into something a bit special.

"I hope it will make a real feature of Hythe as a Waterside village that not only local people will be able to enjoy because it belongs to them but will also attract visitors."

Vice-chairman of Hythe Business Partner-ship, Darrel Browett, added: "It will be a real benefit to the area and hopefully activities will be planned around the amphitheatre which could lead to lots of things."