A SCHOOL on the edge of the New Forest has been given permission to demolish part of a listed building.

New Forest District Council has approved an application to bulldoze a 300-year-old converted stable block at Hordle Walhampton School, near Lymington.

Members of the planning committee went against the advice of council officers and supported proposals to replace the stable with a new extension.

The committee was addressed by the school's head teacher, Henry Phillips, who said the proposed development would include a matron's flat, adding: "It will give greater supervision of the girls' boarding area - and improved security in the current climate is very desirable. The existing building has little historic or architectural value, except its age."

However, a report to councillors said the stable was built in the 18th century and was part of a "significant group" of historic buildings.

"The principal building is the former house - now a school - which is Grade II listed," said the report. "The stable is attached to the house, and is undoubtedly one of the oldest buildings on the site.

"It is still of particular merit, and its demolition would reduce the architectural and historic interest of this group of listed buildings."

The application was supported by Totton councillor Len Harris, who said the stable was next door to a modern building with a flat roof.

"In that respect it has been debased," he said.

Forest North councillor David Scott commented: "English Heritage has raised no objection to this proposal and I'm fully confident that we should support it."

Lymington member Kevin Ault claimed that council officers were "confusing conservation with preservation", and committee chairman Pat Wyeth admitted it was a borderline case.

The application by Hordle Walhampton School Trust Ltd was approved by ten votes to two.