PLANS to open an art gallery on a Hampshire estate have been given the go-ahead.

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) has approved an application to convert redundant agricultural barns on the Exbury Estate - home of the award-winning Exbury Gardens.

The main barn will be turned into an art gallery and the other building will used to exhibit sculptures.

A report by NPA planning officers says: "The buildings are of local historic interest and make a positive contribution to the setting of Lower Exbury House.

"No extensions are proposed as part of the development.

"Overall parking provision would be modest, with nine spaces proposed, and the use would only generate the equivalent of one full-time employee.

"Opening times would be between 11am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

"The proposed change of use would not lead to a harmful increase in levels of activity and would not compromise the tranquility of the locality."