DEMOLITION works at the former British Legion club in Netley Abbey are under way.

The building in Station Road is being demolished to make way for a new housing development.

As previously reported, the site was earmarked for nine houses with garages, parking and green spaces.

The plans were put forward by Goodwill Homes and were given the go ahead by the Bursledon, Hamble-Le-Rice and Hound Local Area Committee in October 2017.

The Netley Abbey Sports and Social clubs site, formerly the Royal British Legion club, had been boarded up for several months.

Councillors said the residential use of the site had then been considered the most preferable.

David Airey, borough councillor for Hamble and Netley ward, said: "It was popular when it was occupied by the British Legion but a lot of clubs struggled in recent years and closed. I'm pleased the redevelopment has started to take place because the empty boarded-up club has been an eyesore in a key location for some time now. It will be a better use of the land in Netley. It's a residential scheme in a residential area. It's a very paramount location and it's very important it looks nice and it is developed in a sympathetic way."

The former social club was bought by the developer after a decline in memberships and a lack of interest from any other community-related operators.

The new homes will be a mix of three, four and five-bedroom.

Matt Holmes, speaking on behalf of the developer, has confirmed that the development is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.