Lyndhurst objectors condemn Fenwick Hospital housing bid

An application to redevelop the former Fenwick Hospital site in Lyndhurst has so far sparked 135 responses from organisations and individuals.

London-based Goldcrest Custom Homes have drawn up plans to provide 15 homes on the site.

Some of the letters received by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) are full of praise for the scheme.

But objectors to the proposed development have raised a raft of concerns, including road safety issues.

Plans to use the former Fenwick Hospital site in Lyndhurst for housing have sparked objections (Image: Goldcrest Custom Homes)

The New Forest Association praises the retention of four cottages beside the main entrance but adds: "The proposal for 11 units on the remainder of the site however appears excessive, resulting in insufficient parking, large areas of hard landscaping, and small gardens.

"We support the inclusion of 'affordable' units but the provision of only two represents 13 per cent of the total development, whereas it should be 50 per cent.

"This is a longstanding policy in the National Park which the developer would have been aware of prior to completing the purchase of the land. Viability should have been addressed at that point and not left to be used as a bargaining tool at a later stage."

Plans to use the former Fenwick Hospital site in Lyndhurst for housing have sparked objections (Image: Goldcrest Custom Homes)

Several other objectors have sent identical letters to the NPA.

It says: "The proposal for too many new houses, along with conversion of existing buildings, is excessive and represents overdevelopment of the site.

"The number and massing of new buildings is out of character with the area, appearing cramped and overbearing. This level of development is unsuitable for the sensitive location of Pikes Hill."

READ MORE: Former New Forest hospital could be replaced by 15 homes

The letter adds: "The significant increase in traffic from proposed number of new houses, combined with existing residential and through traffic, will create unacceptable risks for road users.

"Pikes Hill is effectively a single-lane road, shared by local residents, children, pedestrians, cyclists, and large numbers of free-roaming New Forest animals. The road has no pavements and limited visibility due to bends and the brow of the hill.

"The proposed development will increase traffic risks to children and animals, contrary to the National Park’s duty to protect both people and wildlife."

A Goldcrest spokesperson told the Daily Echo: "Goldcrest is pleased to see there have been supportive comments for our application to build much-needed homes on the site of the former hospital.

"Local planning policy calls for the provision of smaller homes in order to ensure that homes of this type are available and we are pleased to be complying with local policies in this regard."