A DRUG support and advice centre for the New Milton area looks likely to get planning permission at the second attempt.

The Society of St James has asked New Forest District Council for permission for the centre at Whitefield Road.

An application for a centre in Old Milton Road was previously refused permission.

The latest application has had a mixed welcome.

The town council has objected to the scheme, as has Milton Ward councillor John Ward.

Cllr Ward claims: "The site is in the wrong location as it is close to high numbers of residential properties and businesses and would lead to an area where drug users would congregate."

He also says it is close to bus stops and the recreation ground, which already has problems with vandalism and drug-related incidents, with abandoned needles.

"There are too many empty shops in the town and the use of this unit as a drug centre would not encourage potential retail users," he says.

Planning officers have received 18 letters of objection, citing close proximity to betting shops, an off-licence, a snooker hall, the tennis and bowling clubs and flats occupied by mostly elderly people.

There are concerns about people congregating and additional noise, intimidation and devaluation of property prices.

But Barton Ward councillor Goff Beck, who holds the council's crime and disorder portfolio, is in favour of the plan.

He said: "New Milton has a growing drug problem and this proposal to provide an advice and support centre to individuals suffering from alcohol and drug problems is a good opportunity to address the issues in this area."

Similar centres have operated successfully with "no evidence of causing intimidation to passers-by", he said.

In addition, the centre will provide a needle disposal service.

He is backed by 12 letters, some saying the existing centre in Lymington has operated without complaints.

The council has also been presented with a 136-signature petition in support of the centre.

Council officers will recommend on Wednesday that the planning development control committee grants permission for the centre.