PLANS to demolish a landmark hotel in Fordingbridge and replace it with a substantial care home have been withdrawn by applicant Al Donnelly for negotiations with planners.

Mr Donnelly, proprietor of Fritham House nursing home, is buying the 20-bedroom Ashburn Hotel in Station Road from Garry and Terri Robson.

He wants to replace the building with a 50-bed care home and eight separate close care flats and staff sleeping quarters.

The lower ground floor would be given over to car parking, kitchen, stores and staff accommodation. The upper ground floor would have 29 bedrooms, lounge, dining and sitting room areas, while the first floor accommodation would provide 21 bedrooms, two lounges, hairdressing salon and terrace.

The second floor would be given over to eight apartments, three with two bedrooms and five with one bedroom.

Grounds would be landscaped.

New Forest District Council planning officer Vivienne Baxter said the plans had been withdrawn to allow further negotiations to take place.

"We felt it was rather large and we've had quite a few observations from local residents with regard to overlooking," she said.

In addition, no provision has been made for affordable housing in the scheme.

Rather than trying to fit affordable homes into the plans, Mrs Baxter said: "We would probably be looking for a contribution towards it."

l Meanwhile, Allenbrook Care Ltd has submitted plans to the district council asking for permission for a three-storey extension at Allenbrook House nursing home, also in Station Road, Fordingbridge.

The plans are for an extra 20 bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, plus staff accommodation, around a courtyard entrance.