DEVELOPERS seeking consent to build 30 homes on a greenfield site are vowing to preserve the "peace and tranquillity" of a neighbouring hospice.
Stoneriver Homes and Belco Holdings say half the properties will be reserved for people aged over 55 to minimise the impact of the scheme.
The proposed site off Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington, is next door to the award-winning Oakhaven complex - the only hospice in the New Forest.
A planning statement that accompanies the application says 50 per cent of the homes will be affordable.
It adds: "The application seeks consent to restrict the age of occupation to 55 for the affordable housing to maintain the peace and tranquillity of the adjacent hospice.
"The decision results from detailed discussions with Oakhaven and their desire to ensure the needs of their residents are fully respected.
"The application takes on board those concerns and addresses them in a manner which is acceptable to the hospice."
But the proposed development has already resulted in several letters of objection.
People living in the area are urging New Forest District Council to reject the application on the grounds it will create extra traffic problems.
Geoffrey Keevil, of Hightrees Pennington, says: "Lower Pennington Lane is very narrow in places, causing vehicles to pull over to try and let other cars pass.
"It has no pavements, which forces schoolchildren and pedestrians to duck into driveways to let speeding vehicles pass."
Lower Pennington Lane resident Arlene Nichols says: "It is not a safe lane to walk down with the current traffic flow. Increasing the volume of traffic will exacerbate the issue."
One of her neighbours, Suzanne Foskett, claims the "huge" increase in traffic generated by the new homes will cause "catastrophic" damage to the area.
Rob Sear says the lane is used by walkers, runners, and cyclists of all ages - including children going to and from school.
He adds: "The lane should be restricted to 20mph before any consideration is given to adding housing that will generate significantly more traffic."
Six years ago campaigners took to the streets after it emerged that at least 100 homes could be built beside the hospice under the draft local plan.
Critics claimed a new estate off Lower Pennington Lane would have an adverse impact on Oakhaven and its patients.
About 80 people took part in a protest march staged by Pennington and Lymington Lanes Society (PALLS).
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