A DECISION to refuse permission for retirement housing in the New Forest has been overturned.

In 2019 a planning application was initially refused permission by New Forest District Council to demolish existing buildings on Stanford Hill in Lymington to make room for 44 new apartments for the elderly.

A later proposal to build the apartments on the site was also rejected last year.

The multi-million-pound scheme had been opposed by the town council and members of the influential Lymington Society with people living near the site also making complaints.

But now, after an appeal against the refusal by the applicant, Renaissance Retirement Limited, the decision to refuse permission has been overturned following a six day enquiry beginning on May 11.

The result of the inquiry now means that the appeal is allowed and planning permission has been granted for the plans for the 44 sheltered apartments.

The plans include associated access, mobility scooter storage, refuse bin storage, and 34 parking spaces.

The appeal decision stated: "The application that led to this appeal was refused by the Council on a number of grounds including its effects to biodiversity (both offsite and on-site) and its effects to the living conditions of the occupants of 14 and 15 Bucklers Mews.

"However, during the course of the appeal, the Council withdrew its objections in relation to these aforementioned matters on the basis that the proposed development could be made acceptable in these terms through the use of planning obligations or conditions."