PLANS to demolish a former town centre post office to make way for homes and shops have been approved.

The application, which was made by Eastleigh Borough Council, will involve knocking down the former Eastleigh post office and sorting office on the High Street.

This will then make room for two buildings made up of shops and flats and a public realm open space between them.

The plans were approved at a meeting of Eastleigh Local Area Committee on Tuesday night.

The flats are planned to be located on the upper floors in both buildings with 10 one bedroom flats and 18 two bedroom flats to be constructed.

All of the flats are set to be for made available for rent with 10 of them provided for affordable rent.

Eastleigh Borough Council say the proposal is aimed at promoting “economic regeneration” as well as enhancing links between High Street and Market Street.

The application received 70 objections before it was approved with residents raising issues about parking due to the homes being outlined as a “car free development”.

Despite this Chair of the Local Area Committee, Councillor Tina Campbell referred to the scheme as “bold and exciting”, claiming that it will help “kickstart” the regeneration of the town centre.

Councillor Campbell said: “It will provide retail space as well as much needed affordable housing for people who want the advantages of town centre living such as access to local shops and facilities together with the convenience of nearby bus and rail links.

“This is another exciting step in the transition to a more sustainable town centre.”