A MULTI-million-pound plan to transform part of the New Forest coastline looks like it will get the go-ahead next week.

Councillors will be asked to approve proposals for a 100-bed hotel and more than 300 homes at the former Webbs chicken factory in Lymington.

The application was thrown out last year, resulting in an appeal that is due to be heard at a public inquiry in May. The scheme, since modified, looks set to be given the go-ahead even though Lymington Town Council and parish councillors in nearby Boldre remain "anti" the project as proposed.

The council has had 26 letters of objection from people who claim the high-density plan is out of keeping and amounts to overdevelopment.

An official report to the planning and development control committee says the proposal should be approved.

One of the main objectors, Richard Webb, of Undershore Road, Lymington, said: "I'm hugely dismayed. The council will fail in its duty of responsibility towards the people of Lymington if this application is approved.

"The houses are far too big and too close together."

Mr Webb, who is unnconnected with the chicken factory, added: "I would like to see open spaces with a quay-style area, plus fountains in the summer and an ice rink in the winter."

The report to the committee lists the reasons why planning officers feel the new application should be approved.

A crucial reason for the shift in position is that the highway authority has withdrawn its objection after the applicant, Paxton Holdings, agreed to move the access and install traffic lights at the junction with Bridge Road.

The report adds: "The applicant has refined the design and appearance of the buildings.

"The roof lines have been articulated to disguise much of the bulk. The amendments to the design and layout are considered acceptable, and architecturally the scheme is much improved."

The town council in Lymington is not impressed. It says the neighbouring conservation area would be "overwhelmed" by the scale of the proposed development.

Boldre Parish Council is worried about the "bland and uniform" design and is also concerned about the prospect of extra traffic in the area.