PROPOSALS to build five, one bedroom flats in Andover town centre have been approved.

Members of Test Valley's northern area planning committee heard the majority of the building was formerly occupied by TSB/Lloyds Bank. The flats would be built on the second floor.

Officers told the committee that the flats would make a 'useful contribution to the housing stock', although there had been some concern about noise from the proposed pub which has already been given the go ahead on the ground and first floors.

The committee heard that the middle floor of the building would be used for 'back of house' activities like the kitchen and toilets, so there would be some separation from the main source of noise on the ground floor.

"It is considered that residential accommodation is acceptable in principle and should be encouraged," a report concluded.