Plans to modify a historic building listed for its architectural importance in Ringwood have been rejected.

Helen Homewood, for The Pour House Ringwood Club Limited, had sought to replace bifold doors at the rear of the property with wooden, double-glazed French doors.

Other proposed changes included installing new sash windows, a cellar door, external lights, rear CCTV cameras and cooling units.

However, the plans, which were previously rejected by New Forest District Council, were dismissed by an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.

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Proposals for The Pour House in Ringwood dismissed on appeal (Image: Canva) The inspector stated that the changes would harm the visual character of the buildings, which retain historical significance as good examples of 18th-century town centre buildings.

They highlighted that the proposed French doors would not align with the window above, disrupting the cohesion of the buildings.

The inspector also noted that the proposal would not sufficiently preserve the character or appearance of the Ringwood Conservation Area.

Whilst some of the proposed changes, such as the installation of new sash windows and a cellar door, were deemed acceptable, the overall plan was not supported.

The inspector concluded that the public benefits of the proposal were not sufficient to outweigh the identified harm.