Anger over plan for Tesco Express in New Forest village

An application to transform the old Milford Autos site in Keyhaven Road, Milford-on-Sea, has sparked more than 80 objections.

Critics claim the Tesco scheme will spoil Milford's special character, create extra traffic problems, and harm existing traders.

Keyhaven Road is used by a large number of locals, plus tourists visiting Keyhaven village and historic Hurst Castle.

Plans to turn a garage into a Tesco Express store have been submitted to New Forest District Council (Image: Pure Town Planning)

Daniela Green, of Northfield Road, Milford, is among the villagers urging New Forest District Council to reject the application.

Her letter of protest says the proposed development will make existing traffic issues "horribly worse".

It adds: "Absolutely no need for this madness to go ahead. Truly hope someone will have the sense to stop it happening."

READ MORE: Environment Agency buys Keyhaven land in bid to beat climate change

Fellow objector Stuart Newey, of Main Road, East Boldre, is a regular visitor to the area.

His letter says: "The proposal fails to acknowledge and address the serious traffic issues. Any development would cause gridlock throughout the summer.

"The proposed shop is unnecessary as the village is incredibly well served with a range of local shops."

Cllr Christine Ward, who represents Milford on the district council, told the Daily Echo: "I can understand the objections because there are two other stores quite close by."

Keyhaven Road is used by tourists visiting historic Hurst Castle, which is at the end of Hurst Spit (Image: Newsquest)

Built in the 1960s, the former petrol station is now a car wash.

The application says the site is a detrimental part of the local conservation area, describing the blue metal canopy as "overly dominant in the street scene".

It adds: "The proposed development will see the removal of the canopy and the advertisements. Alterations are proposed to the main building to neaten its appearance."

The site is near the village of Keyhaven, which attracts a large number of visitors (Image: Newsquest)

The application says the new shop will be "less dominant" than the car wash.

"It will be contained within the main building, with parking provided on the forecourt. This will allow the site to be able to sit more comfortably in the street scene.

"The proposed development will be a significant improvement than what currently is found on site."

A traffic assessment that accompanies the application says most of the store's customers will walk to the shop.

Some villagers are backing the proposal.

Daniel Humm, of Eastern Way, says: "I believe a Tesco is needed and would be great for the community.

"Current shops are too expensive, with not enough variety of essentials.

"The only reason some of these shops are thriving is because there are no other good options for those who cannot travel far."