COUNCIL bosses have given the green light for a 15-bedroom hotel in Netley Abbey to be converted into flats -despite being told that it would hit Eastleigh's tourism industry.

The Victoria Park Hotel in Station Road will be turned into 13 one-bedroom flats.

The project means extensions to the front and back of the building and a new pitched roof.

Borough head of arts and tourism Cheryl Butler told members of the Bursledon, Hamble and Hound local area committee that it would be a "great loss".

She said it would particularly hit the Hamble peninsula where there was only a small amount of accommodation.

She called for another site to be identified to replace the Victoria Park, which also features a restaurant and a function room.

Hound Parish Council also came out against the proposal, claiming it was over-development of the site and out of keeping with the surrounding area.

The village authority also voiced concerns about traffic levels.

But borough committee members voted to grant planning permission for a change of use.

In a report from Eastleigh Council planners they had been told that the application was in line with local and government policies of making best use of previously-used land for homes.

Councillor Bill Pepper told committee colleagues: "It is disappointing that we are losing a hotel in this area, but we have always been criticised that we have been unable to provide affordable housing. One-bedroom flats would be a start.

"I want to see cheaper accommodation provided for the youngsters and those wanting to get on the property ladder. I hope these flats will be in that mould."

Councillor Steve Holes said: "I think it would be nice to keep it as a hotel but, unfortunately, it is not within our policies to allow for that. We have no choice in the matter.

"It is probably a very good use of that site - the need for smaller accommodation is a very big one. I'm not so sure we will get them as affordable housing, but you never know."