PLANS for a new accommodation block and office building at Tile Barn Outdoor Development Centre in Brockenhurst have been given the go-ahead - and the camping centre will now be able to house young people whatever the weather.

Hampshire County Council's Executive member for recreation and heritage, Councillor John Waddington, has approved plans for the construction of a new bunkhouse and replacement reception, office and storage building.

Tile Barn, which is situated off Church Lane in Brockenhurst, provides an excellent facility for young people to experience and enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.

The centre offers a broad range of activities, including camping, mountain biking, orienteering and problem solving, and is an outlet for the Duke of Edinburgh's Open Gold Programme.

The existing fixed camping facilities means that young people could only stay on site during spring and summer months.

The new bunkhouse will house 34 young people, allowing an estimated 2,000 new young people to visit in the first year of operation.

The new facilities will cost an estimated £413,000 with £102,000 being met by a successful application to the New Opportunities Fund for Sport and PE. It is hoped that the new facilities will be completed in spring 2004.

Cllr Waddington said: "With the centre offering activities which both enhance learning and improve quality of life, we are pleased to be able to make these improvements so that young people can benefit all year round."