BOSSES behind a controversial £10 million bid to transform a town centre site in Hampshire have launched a second attempt to gain planning permission.

Renaissance Retirement has submitted a revised scheme for Lymington’s former bus station – six months after civic chiefs described the original proposal as “totally uninspiring”.

Plans to replace the disused transport hub with a shop and 17 sheltered apartments for the elderly were rejected by district councillors last year.

The Ringwood-based applicant went back to the drawing board and has now submitted a new proposal.

It is still seeking consent for a shop and 17 flats but has altered the scheme’s layout and design in a bid to overcome objections.

Modifications include lower roofs and other alterations to the external appearance of the new buildings.

Simon McFarlane, the company’s associate planning director, said: “While we considered that our earlier scheme was worthy of permission, we’ve nevertheless taken the time to review our plans in order to address some of the main concerns that were raised by the council.

“We’re now keen to see our latest scheme move through the planning process and get a positive determination.”

Renaissance Retirement says the application reflects the character of the surrounding area and “respects the setting” of neighbouring Londesborough House, a Grade II listed building.

One of the 50 objections to the scheme was lodged by the council’s own conservation team, which claimed the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the Lymington Conservation Area.

Renaissance Retirement said the plan would deliver a high quality development that would ease the shortage of retirement flats in the area.

But 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.”

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

Bus stops have now been provided in the High Street, which is said to have increased the shortage of parking spaces for shoppers.