PLANS to build a multi-million-pound tennis and arts centre in the New Forest are set to receive the go-ahead.

New Forest councillors will be recommended to approve proposals to convert a former farm into a state-of-the-art facility.

Historic Hanger Farm in Crabbs Way, Totton, will be transformed at a cost of £2m if the plans are given the green light.

Totton and Eling Town Council has drawn up proposals to build eight tennis courts, a sports pavilion and a play area on the site.

Council chiefs have also submitted plans to convert the barn into an arts centre and construct a temporary access road from Aikman Lane.

The applications will be debated at a meeting next Wednesday of the council's planning and development control committee.

A report to councillors says the two schemes will provide a "comprehensive community facility" at Hanger Farm.

It adds: "The main user of the proposed arts centre will be Totton College.

"The building will also be the home of Totton Drama Festival and will host touring companies, bringing a variety of performing arts to the West Totton area."

The long-awaited scheme was discussed by Totton's planning and transport committee.

Chairman George Dart said the development would preserve the character of Hanger Farm, which he described as a "very beautiful and historically important site".

The proposed new tennis and arts centre is one of three schemes that will give sport and leisure in the town a major boost.

Hounsdown Secondary School in Jacobs Gutter Lane intends to build a new sports hall that will be open to the public in the evenings.

Meanwhile, soccer club AFC Totton is planning to construct an all-weather training pitch and new changing rooms at its Testwood Park ground.