Date set for government inquiry into Renaissance Retirement's 44 homes plan for Lymington

A PUBLIC inquiry will be held next month into plans for 44 new retirement apartments at one of the gateways into Lymington.

Renaissance Retirement, which was bought by developer PegasusLife in 2018, has appealed against New Forest District Council's refusal to allow its flats scheme in Stanford Hill.

It also includes a mobility scooter store and 34 parking spaces, along with the demolition of four properties.

As reported in the A&T, the application was unanimously refused in October last year amid warnings the town could become a “retirement area for the south coast”.

Previous plans for 45 dwellings on the site were also thrown out by the council in 2019 for their “unsympathetic” design.

The government's Planning Inspectorate has now scheduled an online public inquiry for 10am on 11th May.

Documents submitted to NFDC appealing the 2020 decision stated: “This is an excellent location for older persons’ housing.

“In the context of the national and local need for more housing, the proposals will make a vital contribution to the council’s housing supply."

To attend the inquiry, email alison.bell@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or call 0303 444 5279.