PLANS for a New Forest mental health unit have been rejected by planning bosses because of concerns over traffic problems.

West Hampshire NHS Trust wants to build a 36-bed mental health unit and access road at Tatchbury Mount, Calmore, near Totton.

Approval was given for a similar Salisbury Health Care Trust plan in November 1999. But with changes in health trusts a new scheme was submitted.

It was turned down at the New Forest District Council planning development control meeting yesterday.

The site is part of a former hospital for the mentally ill that was last used for patients in 1994 and has recently been used for administration and a training facility. One resident, Ken Ball, of Loperwood Lane, told the committee he was deeply concerned about the effects on traffic congestion the development would have on the country roads around the site.

He said: "Loperwood Lane is the shortest route from Tatchbury to the A36 and we have already experienced HGVs servicing the demolition and crushing plant they had there.

"Indeed we have had many more cars using the lane as a rat run since the identification of the office use at Tatchbury Mount. I speak for most of the residents who are concerned for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and riders."

Cllr Derek Burdle, of Netley Marsh, said: "The traffic along the lane is horrendous.

"The parish council has monitored the activity on the site and recorded that there are 400 cars there.

"That is something that cannot continue."

But Cllr Maureen Holding, of Brockenhurst, told the meeting the New Forest desperately needed this facility.

She said: "I am looking at this from an area of need.

"The New Forest residents need somewhere for mental health care.

"There is an enormous need within this area and a lot of people who suffer mental health problems.

"Where do they go?"