PLANS to turn a family games room into a three-bedroom holiday let have been rejected.

New Forest District Council has refused an application relating to Kingfisher Cottage at Salisbury Road, Burgate.

A council report said tourism was as an important part of the local economy.

It added: "This proposal would have economic benefits, investing in an existing building and bringing spend to local towns and tourism attractions.

"Furthermore the mixed character of the area would be able to accommodate the proposed use."

But the report said the benefits of the scheme would be outweighed by the potential impact on protected and sensitive habitats in the New Forest and along the River Avon.

The report said the scheme was likely to increase recreational pressures on sensitive European nature conservation sites.