A CONTROVERSIAL, award-nominated public loo has turned out to be no flash in the pan for its architect.

The firm behind Brockenhurst's new public convenience has completed plans for a toilet in Milford-on-Sea.

John Pardey Architects' design for Brockenhurst was described by industry experts as "reminiscent of agricultural barns" but labelled "ugly" by members of the parish council which had originally approved the £157,000 project.

New Forest District Council's property services manager Richard Eldred says the new design for Milford-on-Sea is "not dissimilar" to the Brockenhurst toilet block, although the roof has been altered. He added that the architects had incorporated the concerns of Milford-on-Sea Parish Council into the design and said he is confident it would agree to the amended plans at its next meeting on September 30.

"We're very happy with the architects and have established a good working relationship with them," he said. "All the controversy with the buildings in Brockenhurst has been about their siting and appearance, although the council were very happy with the first design.

The existing toilets at Hurst Road will be demolished and work on the new block is expected to start in December.

The toilets in Brockenhurst is one of 17 structures shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award.

First published: Sept 24