Planning chiefs have received an application to turn a landmark building in the New Forest National Park into seven flats.
A proposal to convert the Rufus House Hotel in Southampton Road, Lyndhurst, into a single dwelling was given the go-ahead in August 2023.
Now Smart Group Property has applied for consent to turn the guesthouse into five one-bedroom flats and two two-bedroom units.
The property occupies a prominent site at the eastern entrance to Lyndhurst - the administrative capital of the Forest.
A design and access statement that accompanies the application says: "The building is specifically mentioned in the Lyndhurst Conservation Area appraisal as being of local importance and the proposed alterations will respect and enhance the appearance of the building."
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The report says the conversion will not affect the main street scene.
It adds: "Views of the property from Queens Road will be enhanced by the removal of the unsightly metal staircase to the side elevation and the improvement to the rear elevation by the addition of extensions.
"All the [proposed] flats comply with the nationally described space standards and the two ground floor flats benefit from private amenity space in the form of a patio area.
"The site is ideally located for public transport, with a bus stop on the opposite side of Southampton Road.
"All trees on site are proposed to be retained and will be protected throughout the construction works with appropriate fencing."
The previous plan to turn the 11-bedroom guesthouse into a single residence was submitted by the operator, Ms Etsuko Ito.
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A report by the New Forest National Park Authority said serviced accommodation made a significant contribution to the local economy by providing employment and supporting services, which meant the retention of existing stock was considered important.
But it also referred to the 79 new homes being built on the former site of the Lyndhurst Park Hotel.
"The proposed use of the building as a single dwelling is therefore not required in order to meet housing provision targets within the national park.
"The property has been marketed as a going concern since 2012. It is also stated that since the pandemic there has been an industry shift away from guest accommodation with no restaurant or self-catering facilities.
"In Lyndhurst, there are approximately 170 AirB&B units which contribute significantly to market competition."
Turning the property back into a single dwelling would contribute to the range of property sizes in the national park, potentially reducing the pressure for extensions to more modest buildings.
"The dwelling would be in a sustainable location, with amenities and facilities within walking distance."
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