A RURAL New Forest pub is set to go under the hammer next month.

The White Horse in Milford on Sea will be up for sale at the Clive Emson auction on September 13 at a guided freehold of £390,000 to £410,000.

This comes just two weeks after plans to build homes behind the Grade II-listed pub were thrown out.

Civic chiefs rejected the application by Bayview Developments, which had sought consent to use land at the rear of the White Horse.

Members of New Forest District Council went against the advice of planning officers and refused the proposal, which they described as “cramped”.

They also described plans to provide eight car parking spaces as insufficient.

As previously reported, Cllr David Hawkins told fellow members at the planning committee: “This reminds me of sardines. There’s no room to move and no room to park cars.”

The application had also been opposed by Milford Parish Council and also sparked ten letters of objection and a 28-name petition from people living nearby.

The pub will be auctioned jointly with Savills of Southampton.

Rob Marchant, auctioneer, said: “This is a well-known pub on an extensive plot of 0.17 hectares including a beer garden, play area and car park.

"There may be scope for alternative use, subject to the necessary consents.”

The property is traditional in style and has a large open plan bar area with a pool table.

To the rear of the main bar is a function room.

The ground floor also provides a commercial kitchen, cellar, stores, and WC facilities.

On the first floor there is 3 bedrooms, office, lounge/dining room, kitchen, WC and bathroom.

There is a beer garden and car parking for 20 cars with additional scrub land beyond.

Starting at 11am, the regional Clive Emson auction takes place on at the Solent Hotel and Spa, Rookery Avenue, Whiteley.

The pub is amongst 170 other properties, including The Hurdles in Droxford.