A LACK of assurance over the potential future sale of a town hall building has been described as “deeply concerning”.

Liberal Democrat councillor Jack Davies pressed for commitments in relation to the site in Avenue Road, Lymington.

In a question to the Conservative administration that runs New Forest District Council, Pennington ward member Cllr Davies said residents were “very concerned” about the future of local authority-owned Town Hall.

He said the lease was due to expire in 2027 and the council “clearly” had no intention of extending it.

Cllr Davies acknowledged it was early in the process but the “one overwhelming desire” of residents was that, if it was sold for redevelopment, the site should not be used for retirement flats.

In recent years, several large developments in Lymington have seen such schemes come forward, including at the former police station site in Southampton Road.

Cllr Davies asked for the district council’s leadership to promise the site will not be sold off for “luxury retirement flats”.

In a written response, Cllr Jeremy Heron said: “Cllr Davies, it would be incredibly irresponsible of me to make such a promise.

“You have already been advised that councillors will be involved and engaged in the process to determine the future of the site, and so you will have plenty of opportunity to make your thoughts known in the build-up to the council making a collective decision on this matter in this chamber.

“As with any potential disposal of land, the decision will need to be in conformity with Section 123(2) of the Local Government Act 1972.”

Lymington Town Hall’s current occupants include Lymington and Pennington Town Council, New Forest National Park Authority, several businesses and a police station.

It also has an information office for the district council, where residents can have direct access to services and support.

Cllr Davies told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the voices of the community must come first.

“It’s deeply concerning that New Forest District Council have refused to rule out selling off Lymington Town Hall to a retirement developer,” Cllr Davies said.

“Lymington Town Hall belongs to the people, and any decision about its future must reflect the views of the community.

“I urge New Forest District Council to fully consult with local residents before making any choices that could permanently alter this vital public space.”