CIVIC chiefs have rejected proposals to enlarge an office building at a former milk depot in the New Forest.

The district council has refused to support an application to build a first floor extension to the building, which occupies part of the old depot at Milford Road, Pennington.

The council said the scheme would increase the commercial activity on part of a site suitable for residential development.

It added: "The proposed development would represent a piecemeal form of development that would cause material harm by prejudicing the likelihood of securing key policy objectives for this site, namely a well-designed and integrated development that is responsive to local housing needs."

The applicant could decide to lodge an appeal or submit a revised scheme.