DEVELOPERS have launched another attempt to win permission for a £10 million plan to redevelop a former transport hub.

Renaissance Retirement has lodged a second appeal after seeing its latest application to transform Lymington’s former bus station suffer the same fate as the original proposal.

The Ringwood-based company wants to build a shop and 17 sheltered apartments for the elderly on the site.

Its initial application was rejected by New Forest District Council in November last year after being described as “totally uninspiring” at a meeting of the planning committee.

Renaissance lodged an appeal but also submitted a revised scheme that aimed to overcome the objections.

The second application was refused by the council two months ago - and the company has now appealed against that decision as well.

Both proposals include a retail unit at the front, plus 17 parking spaces hidden in an underground space accessed by a car lift.

The two appeals will be heard by a government-appointed planning inspector at Lymington Town Hall on October 31.

Simon McFarlane, Renaissance Retirement’s associate director of planning, said: “The proposals will deliver much-needed homes for elderly people.

“We’re confident they will significantly enhance the character and appearance of this important site while positively contributing to the vitality and viability of Lymington town centre.”

The bus station closed in 2015, with operators blaming a reduction in services caused by bus subsidy cuts and an increase in fuel duty.

The High Street site is part of the Lymington Conservation Area and is also close to several Grade II listed buildings including Londesborough House.

One of the 50 objections to the first application was lodged by the council’s own conservation team, which claimed the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the conservation area.

Speaking at a meeting of the planning committee Cllr Alison Hoare, a former chairman of the council, described the design as “totally uninspiring”.

Cllr Anna Rostand added: “We’ve already got so many retirement homes in Lymington and I don’t think we need any more.”

Committee members were equally unimpressed by the second application.

Cllr Alan Penson said “The development has to give more commercial space. They are offering one retail unit, and that’s inadequate.”

Cllr Maureen Holding added: “This is supposed to be a conservation area and what we’re seeing is more and more crammed in.

“It’s cramped and contrived.”

Representatives from Renaissance Retirement said the projected increase in the 65-plus age group meant there was a “huge need” for retirement properties.