PLANS to convert a former care home near Romsey into a house and build two new homes next door have been given the green light.

An application was submitted to Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) to demolish part of Kents Oak Rest Home in Kents Oak, Awbridge, and transform it into a four bedroom house.

The plans will see a total of three houses created, which have been drawn up by English Developments Ltd.

The applicant will cut three car parking spaces on the site, meaning there will be nine spaces for future residents to use.

Now, the proposals have been unanimously approved by the council's Southern Area Planning Committee.

However, community leaders did express concerns about the risk of flooding on the site and wanted to ensure vehicles park safely to avoid future accidents.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, who represents the Blackwater on the borough council, said: "The main issue is I think residents would be happier if there was specific reference to the ground levels themselves being returned to the current position.

"At the moment, the condition does not allow for the fact that ground levels might remain higher, while the level of the houses might stay the same.

"Over 300 tonnes of top soil was placed on this site [by English Developments Ltd] and spread about it, which is a concern for everybody, not least because of the issues of flooding."

He stressed those who are working on the site should be advised to park only there, since there "isn't any safe parking on the roads", adding: "It is a very dangerous junction and there was an accident at the crossroads in Awbridge only a couple of weeks ago that managed to damage the war memorial."

Cllr Gordon Bailey, who represents the Blackwater ward, said: "It was sad the [care] home did have to close, which was only a year ago, but funnily enough we have got a home there that was not allowed to extend [due to settlement boundary issues], but now we can get three houses on the same site.

"I do know all of the soil that has been spread across the site will be removed and I am glad about that."

He added there should be a "permit condition" on vehicles accessing the site while work is in progress, and stressed that, although he was "not happy with with application", it is "in the settlement boundary and, reluctantly, I do have to support the officer's recommendation."

English Developments Ltd declined to comment after the plans were approved.

The plans were approved on Tuesday, August 25.