CONTROVERSIAL plans to transform part of the New Forest coastline could be approved at the third attempt, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Councillors are being asked to support a multi-million-pound project to build a 100-bed hotel and more than 300 homes on the former Webbs chicken factory site at Lymington.

A similar proposal to redevelop the seven-acre site was thrown out by the district council last year.

A revised scheme went before the council's planning and development control committee last month, but was deferred for further negotiations with the applicant, Paxton Holdings.

The talks have now taken place and the committee will be recommended to approve the scheme when it meets next Wednesday.

A report to councillors says Paxton has underlined its determination to provide a footbridge over an adjoining railway line.

Members regard the bridge as vital, saying it will provide residents with a direct link to the town centre.

The report adds: "While the development is not in accordance with the New Forest District Local Plan, the scheme makes adequate provision for employment opportunities both on and off the site.

"It is also considered that the scheme would deliver additional community benefits in the form of affordable housing and public open space.

"The design and layout of the development is considered acceptable and one which would have a positive virtual impact on its environs."

However, the Lymington Society is continuing to oppose the scheme and hopes the council will reject the application.

In a letter to the authority the society says a "no" vote would trigger a public inquiry, which would give Lymington residents a better opportunity to air their views.

A society spokesman said: "This unique site represents a golden opportunity to create a living extension to the town centre.

"Instead the proposed development will give us a massively dense block of flats that will become a dead dormitory development of second homes."