A DECISION on proposals to demolish a former New Forest children's home and replace it with a 54-bed care home has been deferred.

The plans to build the three-storey development at Glendalyn on Fernhill Lane, New Milton went before New Forest District Council's planning committee earlier this month.

However, members decided to defer the item for further negotiations to take place.

The original report by a planning officer recommended approval of the scheme, but this was subsequently amended to a suggestion of postponement to "allow changes to be negotiated that would met the operational requirements of the end user".

It was also reported that there was recognition of an identified need for care home places in the District.

The decision to defer by the committee prolongs the planning application. The initial proposals by applicant Redland Care Group were submitted in November 2016.

The scheme has faced a number of objections from both New Milton residents and the town council.

A response submitted by New Milton Residents' Association described the design for the scheme as "very unattractive".

The initial plans for the site set out a 60-bed scheme, however this was reduced to 54 bedrooms following discussions with planning officers last year.