AMENDED plans increasing the number of flats at Marston Lodge on Weydown Road in Haslemere from six to seven have been given the green light by Waverley.

The decision has been welcomed by residents keen to see more housing built on neighbouring Weydown Industrial Estate.

Planning permission to demolish a chalet bungalow and replace it with six flats had already been granted.

The design and access statement supporting the latest plan, said: “While the scale of the building has been slightly increased over that which was recently approved, its scale can be justified by virtue of the existing commercial buildings which sit on the boundary of the site…the building will provide a strong frontage to the street scene within this part of Weydown Road.”

Writing in support of the plan, a neighbour said: “While the current proposal for seven flats is larger than the previously approved application, I feel the need for additional housing is greater than concerns of bulk.

“Additionally, ongoing Haslemere area discussions include the possibility of converting part of the industrial estate into residential housing, and a decision on the site of Marston Lodge that is supportive to the developer may help win future support from developers to build on the adjacent industrial site, part of which I believe is currently for sale.”

Margaret Court Development aims to get construction under way within the next couple of months.