Plans to turn a former hotel into a house look set to be approved - less than two years after a previous proposal was rejected.

Members of the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) are being recommended to support an application relating to Spot In The Woods in Woodlands Road, Woodlands.

The Grade II-listed building was previously known as the Hotel TerraVina, run by award-winning wine expert Gerard Bassett and his wife Nina.

Gerard embarked on a career as a wine professional after moving to the UK from the France in the 1980s.

He triumphed at the World Sommelier Championships in Chile in 2010 and was later awarded an OBE for services to the hospitality industry.

The former Hotel TerraVina was won by award-winning wine expert Gerard Bassett and his wife NinaThe former Hotel TerraVina was won by award-winning wine expert Gerard Bassett and his wife Nina (Image: Newsquest)

After he was diagnosed with cancer, he and his wife turned the hotel into a boutique B&B and changed its name.

His heartbroken family sold Spot In The Woods a year after his death.

In December 2023 a proposal by Hillbrooke Hotels to turn the 11-bedroom property into a single residential unit was rejected, partly on the grounds it would result in a loss of tourist accommodation.

But the latest application - by new owner Steve Parker - has received a more favourable reaction.

READ MORE: Stunning boutique hotel in the New Forest has new owners

An NPA report says an assessment carried out by Savills estate agents concluded that the site would not be viable in its current form as a hotel or hospitality offering.

"The fact it was originally a single dwelling is considered to be irrelevant, due to the considerable period of time that has elapsed since it was used as such. However, should it be accepted that the hotel use is not viable and cannot be made so."

Staff at Spot In The Woods celebrate the first anniversary of the business in 2020Staff at Spot In The Woods celebrate the first anniversary of the business in 2020 (Image: Supplied)

The report said the proposed change of use would secure the building's long-term use.

"The site is surrounded by trees and whilst some of these have been removed, with the consent of the NPA, there are sufficient remaining to ensure the building is not unduly intrusive.

"The change of use from a hotel to a single residential dwelling does not accord with all policies of the Local Plan.

"However, in this case, it is not considered that it would be possible to sustain an objection to the loss of tourist accommodation."

The application sparked eight letters of objection and five of support.

Objectors said the proposal would result in the permanent loss of a hotel and community facility. They also claimed the grand "manor house" design did not reflect the character and appearance of the area.

But supporters of the scheme complained that the former hotel was noisy, particularly at weekends.

The application will be debated by NPA on May 20.