PLANNING chiefs in the New Forest have seen one of their decisions overturned.

An appeal was lodged after an application for an outbuilding at the Old Manor House in Woodside Lane, Lymington, was rejected by New Forest District Council in September this year.

Now a government-appointed planning inspector has quashed the council's decision.

The inspector's report said the Old Manor House was a Grade II-listed building that dated from the early 17th century.

But it added that the single-storey outbuilding would be subservient to the house and its domestic appearance would accord with the residential character of the site.

It would be tucked away at the rear of the site and would be a significant distance from the main building.

"The volume of the scheme would be compatible with local outbuildings and would not result in overdevelopment of the site.

"Consequently, the new element would have a limited effect on the setting of the listed building."