PLANS to build homes and a convenience store in a Hampshire village look set to be approved - weeks after a similar scheme was thrown out.

Members of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) are being urged to approve the latest bid to transform a site currently occupied by Hatch Motors in Station Road, Sway.

An application to build ten homes and a convenience store on the site was turned down by the NPA in September.

Speaking at a meeting of the planning committee one of the objectors, Dr Stephen Sandys, said the proposal amounted to "drastic over-development" in the centre of the village.

Philip Holdcroft, representing the applicant, Landmark Estates, said the design had been amended in a bid to address concerns raised by Sway Parish Council.

He added: "It will provide a modern grocery store and 18 jobs. It also offers a good mix of homes and a high quality landscape design."

However, the application was turned down and Landmark went back to the drawing board.

It has now come forward with a revised scheme that includes a shop and nine homes - five flats and four houses.

The new plan has prompted 23 objections, with critics claiming the proposed new store would threaten the survival of existing shops in the village. They also say the proposed development would create extra traffic problems as well as spoiling the character of the area.

But the latest application has also sparked 32 letters from people in favour of the plans.

Supporters of the proposal say the new scheme would provide starter homes for local people and more jobs as well as extra choice for shoppers.

Members of the planning committee are being recommended to approve the application at their meeting on December 19.

A report to the committee says any job losses caused by the demolition of the garage would be "balanced" by the creation of a shop.

The report concedes that the proposed development would be bigger than the existing building but adds: "The reduction of one (housing) unit, and the corresponding reduction in parking, would allow marginally more space within the proposal as a whole.

"The areas of hardstanding and parking would equate to what is currently on site, and the inclusion of rear gardens would create some meaningful open space.

"In conclusion it is considered that the revised proposal would be acceptable in this location."