A LANDMARK building with links to Sherlock Holmes is about to be demolished.

The former Lyndhurst Park Hotel, which dominates the eastern entrance to the village, is due to be replaced by almost 80 homes and three commercial units.

Plans submitted by Burry and Knight, part of Hoburne Development, have been given the green light by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

Demolition work is due to start this week, although the most historic part of the building will be retained.

A Hoburne Development spokesperson said: "It will be a historic moment as it will mark three years from when we acquired the hotel and we are incredibly proud to advance our plans and transform the site."

Bournemouth Echo: The Lyndhurst Park Hotel is about to be demolished. The building is due to be replaced by almost 80 homes.The Lyndhurst Park Hotel is about to be demolished. The building is due to be replaced by almost 80 homes. (Image: Chris Yandell, Newsquest)

In 1912 the hotel was redesigned with the help of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, who was a frequent visitor to Lyndhurst.

It closed in 2014 and has been branded an eyesore by people living in the area. Part of the three-storey complex collapsed in 2020.

Plans to redevelop the site sparked 63 letters of objection.

Protesters said a "significant portion" of the area designed by Conan Doyle would be lost. They also claimed the proposed development would be too tall as well as being out of character.

But the scheme also resulted in 19 letters of support from people who said it would transform the site as well as providing homes and jobs.

NPA member David Harrison said: "The design is terrific. This is probably going to be the best opportunity we will ever see to develop the site in a sympathetic way."