A landmark building that has occupied Ringwood town centre site for almost 80 years will be knocked down.

Ringwood’s former town hall is set to be demolished and replaced by a major housing scheme that will cost at least £1.5m to build.

A developer was yesterday given permission to construct 15 flats and houses on the site in Christchurch Road.

A previous proposal that included a mini supermarket was rejected last year amid fears that traffic generated by the store would block access to a neighbouring fire station.

The applicant, Current Asset Ltd, then submitted a wholly residential scheme, which was approved by the district council yesterday.