WORK to rebuild part of a village shopping area could start early next year, with hopes it could "revive" the high street.

Approval was granted for major redevelopment work on Lymington Road in Highcliffe at a meeting of Christchurch council's planning committee last week.

The two separate applications from applicant Hoburne for shops and flats were given the green light by councillors following a recommendation by officers to approve the schemes.

And the transformation could see some well-known high street names come to the area.

Rod Tucker, managing director of Hoburne said: "We are extremely pleased that planning permission has been granted for both developments on Lymington Road.

"We are in negotiations with some well known high street retail companies and are looking forward to playing a part in reviving the high street.

"We are passionate about our local community and both these new developments will attract more people to the area and in turn have a positive impact on local businesses.

"We are looking to start building work in early 2017."

The first proposal will see six retail units, 20 two-bedroom flats, three one-bedroom flats and four three-bedroom houses built following the demolition of the existing buildings on Lymington Road.

Currently, there are two estate agents and Hoburne's main office operating in the existing units, along with an empty store.

On the other side of the road, a block with two retail units will be built, along with five two-bedroom flats and seven one-bedroom flats.

A terrace of five two bedroom houses would be built at the back of the new development.

It would mean the demolition of the existing building, which currently contains a post office, hairdressers, charity shop and a former pharmacy.

Questions have been asked about the potential loss of the post office in the village, although Hoburne say they feel it is 'vital' to the high street, especially with the loss of banks over the years.