ON reflection, it would seem to be the perfect way of ensuring that a hotel extension in the New Forest mirrors its scenic surroundings.

Architects have come up with a revolutionary design that aims to minimise the environmental impact of a major addition to Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst.

The building will include a special type of glass that will reflect images of the Forest and the sky above. District councillors heard that the extension, containing 16 bedrooms and conference facilities, is part of a massive scheme to transform the award-winning hotel, pictured above.

Hand Picked Hotels Ltd also intends to turn existing staff accommodation into seven guest suites and provide a new 20-bedroom building for employees.

The proposals were approved at a meeting of the council's planning and development control committee.

The application had attracted three letters of objection from people who said that a larger hotel would result in extra pressure on the New Forest.

Members of the Garden History Society also lodged an objection, claiming the new staff wing would damage the character of the historic landscape.

However, a report to councillors said the new extension and conference centre would occupy land that was lower than the surrounding area and would not dominate the existing hotel.

It added: "The design incorporates the use of highly-reflective glass, which seeks to minimise the building's impact by reflecting the adjoining forest, natural environment and sky."

The report also rejected criticism of the new staff accommodation, claiming it would not occupy an environmentally sensitive part of the hotel grounds.

"Taken as a whole, the proposed developments would not adversely affect the surrounding landscape," it said.

Councillors who spoke in support of the application included Brockenhurst member Maureen Holding, who said the new buildings would be sympathetic to their surroundings.