PLANS to build homes on land formerly occupied by a Calshot pub are due to be debated next month.

F B Estates lodged an appeal after the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) rejected proposals to redevelop a site that once played host to the Flying Boat Inn.

A report to members of the NPA's planning committee said the appeal would be heard on April 19.

F B Estates's application to build seven homes on the land was refused by the NPA in 2019 after members heard that new housing in Forest villages was normally allowed only in Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Sway.

A similar proposal submitted by the same applicant was turned down in February last year and the subject of the appeal.

A report to NPA members said: "Irrespective of whether the site is defined as brownfield or greenfield, the proposal is clearly contrary to recently adopted policies relating to new residential development. To grant planning permission would set a dangerous precedent."

The scheme had been backed by Fawley Parish Council and the authority also received a 100-name petition supporting the application.

Cllr Alexis McEvoy, a district and county councillor for Fawley, spoke in support of the proposal.

She told the NPA's planning committee: “This development is sensitive to its surroundings. It has the support of Fawley Parish Council and will be welcomed by local residents.

“It will add much-needed vibrancy to the village. Frankly the site is an eyesore – a blot on the landscape. This is such an opportunity.”

But planning officer Steve Avery said: “This application goes against every policy we have in the local plan. It couldn’t be simpler than that.”