COUNCIL chiefs are fighting the latest attempt to open a cut-price pub in a New Forest conservation area.

The JD Wetherspoon chain has submitted a second application to convert a shop next door to the historic St Thomas’s Church in Lymington.

But town councillors are urging New Forest District Council to reject the scheme.

Members of Lymington’s planning committee complained that the pub would be too large.

They also cited ‘‘excessively long’’ opening hours and traffic problems likely to be caused by customers, employees and delivery drivers trying to find somewhere to park.

Wetherspoon bosses want to convert the Palfrey & Kemp store opposite the Monmouth House old people’s home.

But town clerk Steven Cridland said: “This is a predominantly residential area with 58 people living in Monmouth House alone.

“In addition there are residents living in Quadrille Court, Church Lane, St Thomas Street and the top part of High Street. Some 70 residential units would be affected, which is not insignificant.”

Mr Cridland said councillors felt the pub would fail to enhance the conservation area.

He added: “A development of this nature would be more in keeping with a city centre or a large town, not Lymington and Pennington.”

However, Wetherspoon has defended the scheme in a 38-page statement accompanying its application.

The statement says: “The company is sensitive to the needs of neighbouring residents and occupiers of adjoining premises and is therefore happy to accept and adhere to reasonable restrictions and limitations.”

Wetherspoon’s original application was rejected by the district council last year after sparking more than 200 objections, including one from the church.

The decision resulted in Lymington being described as the “snootiest town in Britain”.