Lymington: plan for flats on police station site thrown out

A government-appointed planning inspector has rejected a proposal to demolish the redundant Hampshire Constabulary building at Southampton Road, Lymington, and redevelop the site.

The application sparked almost 80 letters of objection and a protest petition signed by more than 1,400 people.

An artist's impression of the proposed development, which has been rejected following public inquiry. Picture: Churchill Retirement Living (Image: Churchill Retirement Living)

Members of New Forest District Council refused the scheme in 2021 after going against the advice of officers.

READ MORE: Row over future for former police station in Southampton Road, Lymington

Speakers at a meeting of the planning committee said Lymington already had a huge number of retirement flats - many of which remained unsold - and needed affordable homes for young people.

Cllr Malcolm Wade said: "We can't turn the New Forest into a giant care home."

Other members criticised the design of the proposed development. Cllr Maureen Holding, a former chairman of the authority, said: "This has gone from being a police station to looking like a prison."

Don Mckenzie of the Lymington Society (Image: Donald Mackenzie)

Don Mackenzie, representing the Lymington Society, described the proposed development as a "monolithic block". He added that 12 parking spaces for 32 flats was "simply laughable".

Andy Ash-Vie, representing Lymington and Pennington Town Council, added: "It's ugly, overbearing and out of character."

The applicant, Churchill Retirement Living, said the site was in a highly accessible location, making it suitable for older people, and would make a positive contribution to the local economy.

READ MORE: Campaigners speak out on plan for former Lymington police station

Churchill lodged an appeal after the application was rejected, but planning inspector Jessica Powis has upheld the council's decision following a public inquiry.

She said: "The New Forest has a considerably older population than the national average, with people aged 65 and over comprising 29.7% of the population in 2020.

"This is projected to increase over the coming two decades, reaching around 37.4% of the district’s population by 2040.

"I do not consider the proposed development would result in an overprovision of specialised housing for older people within the town, given the scale of the need identified."

However, Ms Powis said the proposed development, coupled with other plans and projects in the area, was likely to have a significant impact on nature conservation sites.

Campaigners have welcomed the inspector's decision, but Churchill could decide to submit a revised scheme.