A HAMPSHIRE hotel has scrapped plans to build six houses in its grounds after the scheme sparked a storm of protest.

The four-star Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst submitted proposals for four detached homes and two semi-detached properties but now says the proposed development would be “too intensive” for the site.

But owners Chris and Alison Wilson are drawing up proposals for five detached houses with larger gardens and extra space between each property.

As reported in the Daily Echo, they say money raised by the sale of new homes will help secure the hotel’s future by funding a raft of improvements.

However, their application to build six houses in the grounds resulted in a large number of objections.

Locals said the scheme would “urbanise” that part of the New Forest, increase the risk of flooding and spoil “iconic” views of the 54-room hotel.

In a letter to the National Park Authority (NPA) Mark and Claire Redway said: “Surely it cannot be the role of the NPA to effectively ‘bail out’ a business solely on the basis of a statement that no other options exist.”

Near neighbour Karl Ducker said the scheme should be rejected on environmental grounds.

He said: “The iconic view from the road as one arrives in Brockenhurst is one of the hotel’s most important assets. It’s part of what attracted me to settle here 13 years ago.”

Now the hotel has said that the scheme has been ditched.

A spokesman said: “The decision to withdraw the current application has been made on the basis that four detached properties and a pair of semi-detached homes was perhaps too intensive for the site.

“It is very likely that a proposal for five detached properties will be submitted within the next few months.

“The design team are working closely with the Environment Agency to satisfy any flood risk criteria and ensure there is no detriment to the surrounding area and neighbouring properties.”

If the scheme goes ahead the houses will be built along the northern side of Balmer lawn Road.

“Mr and Mrs Wilson are hopeful the new application will receive the support necessary to see it through the planning process successfully,” said the spokesman.

“The investment from the development will enable the hotel to continue to improve and develop.

“The hotel market is highly competitive – only those hotels that are continuing to invest in order to offer/exceed client expectations will survive.”