Developer Churchill Retirement Living appeals against New Forest District Council's Lymington police station flats refusal

THE developer refused permission for retirement flats at Lymington's old police station has challenged the decision, accusing councillors of having acted "unreasonably".

Churchill Retirement Living has appealed against New Forest District Council, claiming that the planning committee went against some of their own policies to refuse the unpopular scheme.

It will now be debated again at a public inquiry overseen by a government inspector, who could order NFDC to pay costs if it is found to have acted unfairly.

As reported in the A&T, the plans for 32 flats off Southampton Road were opposed by the town council and 76 objectors, including civic group the Lymington Society.

NFDC planning officers had recommended permission at a meeting in December but district councillors went against that advice, arguing affordable housing was needed instead and that the design was out of keeping and even looked like a "prison".

They also said it lacked amenity space, parking and was too close to protected trees.

However, Churchill's appeal argues that because NFDC cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of housing in the district, national policies apply that require schemes to be "sustainable" rather than fit in with local planning rules.

It described the site as "highly accessible" for older people without over-reliance on cars, and the "high quality" design would meet the need for retirement housing while also freeing up homes for families.

The company also pointed to an appeal decision last year to allow 45 retirement flats nearby at Stanford Hill.

It concluded: "The use of the site for a retirement housing development is wholly appropriate at this location and the design of the proposal will make a positive contribution to the character of the area and which respects and enhances the setting of the Lymington Conservation Area."

After the planning committee meeting last year, Lymington Society spokesperson Donald Mackenzie said NFDC had to show "enough is enough" on retirement homes and it should focus on providing more affordable housing.

The public inquiry will be held after the 21st February deadline for public comments to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol.