CAMPAIGNERS have lost their battle to save a former New Forest school that has been a village landmark for more than 120 years.

A government planning inspector has approved a controversial application to bulldoze the old school at Church Lane, Sway, and replace it with six houses.

The go-ahead to demolish the 19th century building was greeted with dismay at a parish council meeting.

Critics of the decision included Val Fairhurst, who told fellow members: "It's like taking the Eiffel Tower out of Paris."

Plans to redevelop the site were rejected by New Forest District Council in October last year.

Members heard that the scheme had sparked a petition signed by more than 100 people, who regarded the school as one of the finest buildings in the village.

Councillors rejected the proposed development on the grounds it amounted to an over-intensive use of the site.

However, the applicant, Sway businessman Peregrine Bruce, lodged an appeal with the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Now planning inspector Martin Andrews has approved the scheme. His report says: "A terrace of four homes and a pair of semi-detached dwellings would add variety to the street scene and create an attractive addition to this part of the village."

Mr Andrews acknowledges the loss of the old school is regrettable, but points out that it is not a listed building.

The school was built in 1878 using funds donated by a local charity. It is currently the New Forest Woodburning Centre, which sells stoves.