PLANNERS have rejected part of a hospital redevelopment scheme - but managers have denied that it will delay the building's reopening.

An application to install security lighting at the Fenwick Hospital, Lyndhurst, create a new access and more than double the amount of car parking was rejected at a meeting of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

Planning officers criticised proposals to remove large amounts of vegetation and demolish old buildings that could contain potential roosting sites for bats.

Fenwick 2, the charitable body that will run the new-look hospital in conjunction with SCA Healthcare, pledged to submit a new application.

Chairman George Dibben said: "I'm sure we'll be able to achieve a solution to the objections, although it will take another eight to ten weeks to get through the planning process.

"It's not the end of the world but it's disappointing."

Mr Dibben said the proposals formed only part of the hospital's redevelopment and pledged that the building would reopen on April 1 as planned.