PLANS for new accommodation to support people with learning disabilities have been unveiled.

Six new bungalows for people with disabilities could be built at  Sonnet Court in Selborne Drive  in Eastleigh.

The news comes as the former John Darling Mall respite centre at the site was demolished to make way for 18 one-bedroom flats for residents who require up to 24-hour care.

The facility run by Hampshire County Council is now set to be expanded with an extra six bungalows planned for the site.

The proposals will be discussed in a county council meeting on February 17 and are recommended for approval.

According to the plans, the proposed bungalows will have a combined living room and kitchen; a double bedroom; a bathroom; a private garden and a communal garden with access to each property.

An additional nine parking spaces would also be created.

According to official documents, Eastleigh Borough Council have objected to the application due to the loss of trees on site.

But the plans have since been amended  to avoid the need to cut down trees.

The news comes as the John Darling Mall respite centre was  shut in 2016 when the county council said it needed major improvements costing about £5 million.

Each of the newly-built one-bedroom flats provides  accommodation for an adult aged between 19 and 65 with various learning disabilities.

The six bungalows would provide extra accommodation at the site.

In official documents Hampshire planning bosses said: "The proposal is considered to be appropriate in mass, scale, materials, layout, density, design and siting in relation to adjoining buildings, spaces and views and natural features. The proposal will deliver necessary residential accommodation for adults with disabilities on a site formerly used for such a purpose within the existing urban area. The development will be highly sustainable in terms of access to services and facilities and will be of a high-quality resulting in a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the locality. The amended scheme retains boundary trees which will be protected during construction."