PLANS to introduce a fifth cafe into a New Forest town have been approved.

The proposal to convert the former HSBC building on High Street in Fordingbridge into a cafe/restaurant, with a loft conversion creating a one-bedroom flat, were given the green light by planners.

Opposition to the proposal said the town is not big enough to support a coffee shop, but the scheme can now be carried out after the decision by New Forest District Council.

The planning officer's report, which recommended approval of the scheme, said: "The premises is vacant though was briefly used as a beauty salon, so an A1(shop) use would not be lost.

"However, it is not considered that the impact of an A3 (cafe) use on the overall vitality of the town centre would be harmful, conversely it could enhance the retail environment of the High Street, particularly considering the vacant tenure of the premises, in accordance with policy."

Applicants Mark and Adrienne Tollman said they have been unable to find a long-term tenant for the commercial part of the premises, with it most recently serving as a beauty salon.

The applicants claimed the creation of the cafe at the premises led by self-investment was the only way to bring the building back into use.

In a statement supporting their application, Mr and Mrs Tollman said: "The existing cafes and tea rooms in Fordingbridge do not offer the type of environment or ambiance that we are proposing.

"The coffee shop should be available to all, so it will encompass disabled access and toilet facilities.

"We hope the venue will contribute to an invigorated town centre, and be supported by the local community."

Lesley Ryder, who owns one of the existing cafes in the town spoke out against the scheme, highlighting a further two bakeries which also offer coffees to customers.

She said: "Three of the cafe/coffee shops and one of the bakeries are within 50 metres of the proposed new coffee shop.

"I feel that the town is not large enough to warrant another coffee shop.”