Plans to transform a prominent town centre site by providing 16 "much-needed" homes has run into opposition.

Ringwood-based Colten Developments is seeking consent to build "Georgian-style" flats and houses on the former Jewson site in Gosport Street, Lymington.

But objectors are urging New Forest District Council to reject the application.

Critics of the scheme include the authority's conservation officer, Andrew, Sage, who claims the proposed development will harm the special historic and architectural character of the Lymington Conservation Area.

Plans to build16 homes on a former Jewson site at Gosport Street, Lymington, have run into oppositionPlans to build16 homes on a former Jewson site at Gosport Street, Lymington, have run into opposition (Image: David James Architects and Partners)

His submission to the council criticises the "incongruous building forms and elevations", adding: "The level of harm clearly outweighs the public benefits of the scheme.

"The form, massing and details of the proposed buildings need significant revision to ensure the development preserves the character and appearance of the conservation area."

READ MORE: Former builders' merchant at Gosport Street, Lymington, could be replaced by 16 flats and houses

Donald Mackenzie, chairman of the Lymington Society, agreed with the comments made by Mr Sage.

He said: "The conservation officer has made sensible suggestions as to how the design of the proposed building could be altered to better fit the buildings round about and the style of buildings that would have been there previously.

"In particular, the roofs proposed by the developer could look particularly out of  place compared with non-designated heritage assets nearby.

"We hope the developer will take the opportunity to discuss with the planners how they can modify their designs."

Aspects of the scheme have also upset some of the people living near the site.

In a letter to the council, Susan Reid, of North Close, says: "While I am generally in favour of the development and recognise its potential benefits to the area, I, along with several of my neighbours, have concerns about the impact on the privacy of our rear gardens and rear-facing rooms."

Colten Developments is seeking consent to build 16 homes on a former Jewson site in Gosport Street, LymingtonColten Developments is seeking consent to build 16 homes on a former Jewson site in Gosport Street, Lymington (Image: Newsquest)

The former builders' merchant occupies a rectangular site at the junction of Gosport Street and Cannon Street.

A design and access statement that accompanies the application says: "The existing buildings have a negative to neutral impact to the street scene and are of limited architectural merit.

"There exists a fantastic opportunity to provide new flats and houses in an architectural style more suiting to the surrounding area."

The scheme comprises one block of five terraced houses, one of four terraced houses, and one of seven flats.

"The proposal has been conceived through a detailed understanding of the site and the surrounding context. It will neither harm neighbouring properties or the character of the area."

Colten Developments is seeking consent to replace a former Jewson site in Gosport Street, Lymington, with 16 flats and housesColten Developments is seeking consent to replace a former Jewson site in Gosport Street, Lymington, with 16 flats and houses (Image: Newsquest)

The statement says the scheme reflects the scale of buildings in the area.

"It is considered that the development will be well-designed and will utilise quality materials which are typical of the area and will be an improvement on the existing buildings.

"The proposed buildings will bring high quality  accommodation to the site and the wider area in line with modern standards."

A planning statement says the scheme will enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Existing buildings and "harmful" palisade fencing at the front of the site will be replaced with housing sympathetic to the style of terraced homes in that part of Lymington.

The town council is recommending the district council to approve the application.