PARISH councillors are fighting plans to replace a garage beside a cottage in the New Forest National Park.

The Lymington-based National Park Authority (NPA) has received an application relating to a property at Romsey Road in Ower.

A report to members says: "Consent is sought to replace the existing garage with a detached outbuilding comprising a double garage and garden room with storage over.

"The proposed building would be comparable in scale to the outbuilding which serves the neighbour's property."

Copythorne Parish Council is urging the NPA to reject the application, citing the size and visual impact of the proposed development. But a neighbour says the new building would enhance the character of the area.