PLANS have been submitted to build a new heritage centre alongside affordable homes in the heart of a New Forest village.

The proposals for land in Ringwood Road, Burley, have been filed by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

The application followed discussions between the NPA, Burley Parish Council and the landowner.

Two affordable dwellings, in the form of semi-detached houses, are included in the plans alongside a free standing heritage centre.

It is proposed to create two separate access points from the public car park next to the site, with car parking and turning areas included in the development.

Steve Avery, NPA executive director for strategy and planning, said: "The New Forest is in real need of more affordable housing and we hope this project will play a small role in meeting this need.

"The community-led project to build an accompanying heritage centre would help more people discover Burley’s wealth of history and culture."

As the application has been submitted by the NPA, it will automatically go to the authority's planning committee for a decision.