VILLAGERS have launched a campaign to save a historic Hampshire hotel in danger of being bulldozed.

PegasusLife is drawing up plans to bulldoze the landmark Lyndhurst Park Hotel - part of which dates back to the early 19th century - and replace it with flats for older residents.

But conservationists in the Lyndhurst area say its demolition would be a “crime against history, culture and heritage”.

They are holding a public meeting in the village next week as part of a campaign which they hope will persuade the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) to reject the housing scheme.

Vacant since it closed in 2014, the three-storey hotel is said to be in a poor state of repair.

The property is largely unloved thanks to modifications carried out in the 1970s but its supporters say the building is part of the village’s heritage and should be restored to its former glory.

Built as Glasshayes House in 1810, it is said to have been the scene of Poldark-style smuggling and even a visit by author Robert Louis Stevenson.

The campaign to save it is being led by Lyndhurst historian Brice Stratford and the vice-chairman of the parish council, the Rev Dr Caroline Wilkins.

They are particularly concerned about the fate of a large wood-panelled room which Robert Louis Stevenson is reputed to have worked on one of his novels.

Dr Wilkins said: “The building has a long and rich history stretching back 270 years.

“It’s part of the cultural heritage of the New Forest. It could be used as a hotel again or converted to apartments, offices or even a health and wellness centre.”

Formerly known as the Grand Hotel, it dominates the eastern gateway to Lyndhurst. 

PegasusLife, which is preparing a planning application, has come under fire for declining to take part in the public meeting.

In a letter to the parish council, the company says it has staged presentations for villagers as well as holding exhibitions and workshops.

The letter adds: “There is not a case for retention for part or all of the building given its limited heritage and current condition.

"We’re also of the view that our proposals would provide many benefits to the village and the people of Lyndhurst.”

The meeting at at Lyndhurst Community Centre next Wednesday at 7.30pm.