A PLANNING battle that ended in victory for the applicant is due to be debated at a meeting next week.

Proposals to turn the former Watersplash Hotel in Brockenhurst into retirement apartments, pictured above, were rejected by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) in October last year.

But the applicant, PegasusLife, lodged an appeal and the NPA’s decision has been overturned by government-appointed planning inspector Stephen Hawkins.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Mr Hawkins has given the go-ahead for the 24-flat scheme.

His decision is due to be discussed at next Tuesday’s meeting of the NPA’s planning and development control committee, which is always briefed on the outcome of appeals.

PegasusLife has welcomed the inspector’s decision to allow the appeal.

Howard Phillips, the company’s chief executive, said: “Brockenhurst is a beautiful place and we’re looking forward to creating homes that are right for the local area and will enrich the lives of the people who will choose to live within our development.”

The former hotel, part of a conservation area, will be turned into one and two-bedroom flats for people aged over 60.

Mr Phillips added: “Having revised the scheme, we are particularly pleased that the planning inspectorate has agreed on a proposal that preserves and enhances the character and appearance of this wonderful Conservation Area and is also respectful of the existing hotel building.”

Earlier this year, a PegasusLife proposal to replace the Lyndhurst Park Hotel with retirement apartments and holiday lets was rejected by the NPA.

People who objected to the application are still waiting to discover if the company will also appeal against that decision.