PROPOSALS to change the facade of a listed building in the New Forest have been given the go-ahead.

District councillors went against the advice of planning officers and approved an application to install double-glazed sash windows at a semi-detached property in Pylewell Road, Hythe.

The building – originally three houses – was constructed  in the 17th century and forms part of the Hythe Conservation Area.

But councillors supported a proposal to remove the existing sash windows and replace them with double-glazed versions.

Council officers had urged the planning and development control committee to reject the application, saying the new windows would harm the historic character of the Grade II listed building.

But councillors pointed out that the authority had approved an earlier application to replace the sash windows at the back of the property.

Cllr Bob Wappet said the council would be “perverse and illogical” if it rejected the latest scheme.

He added: “I suspect that if this was refused and it went to appeal we would lose hands down. What’s good for the back should be good for the front.”

Cllr Michael Thierry added: “In this particular instance we are being over-zealous in terms of conservation.

“The owner would not do anything that would cause harm to the building.”

Cllr George Dart also sided with the applicant. “I can’t see a major difference between what’s proposed and what’s there at the moment,” he said.

The application, which was supported by Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, was approved by 15 votes to four.