AJC Group is to build 27 two-bedroom apartments in Barton-on-Sea – all of which will be allocated for affordable housing.

It comes after the Dorset developer secured planning permission from New Forest District Council to demolish the former NHS Becton Centre, a mental health facility which has been vacant for several years.

A new three-storey detached apartment building with pitched roof is now proposed for the site, along with parking and landscaping.

Simon McFarlane, planning director for AJC Group, said: “We’re pleased to have received approval for our application to demolish and redevelop the former Becton Centre into 27 new affordable homes.

“The New Forest is facing a substantial shortage of affordable housing, with many locals being priced out of the area or unable to get onto the housing ladder.

“These new energy-efficient apartments will offer residents the opportunity to own a home in their hometown and will create a sustainable, inclusive and mixed community.

“Our initial plans were previously refused due to the proposed modern design and the number of units.

“In response, we revised the scheme by reducing the units from 33 to 27 and adopting a more traditional design.

“Our primary focus for this site continues to be the effective utilisation of a vacant brownfield site.”

The new apartment block will use a palette of materials found in the local area, including white render and red brick, a clay tile roof and dark grey window frames.

Most of the apartment designs benefit from private balconies and some have sea views, while communal landscaped gardens to the rear of the building will be accessible to all future residents.

AJC Group also has projects underway in Dorchester, the New Forest and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

• ajcgroup.uk