PLANS for a block of nine flats have been refused by New Forest District Council.

The scheme for Tudor Close, Milford Road, from AJ Developments sought permission to demolish the existing building and replace it with a three storey structure comprising of one and two-bed flats.

Lymington and Pennington Town Council recommended refusal of the scheme on the grounds it over-development and intrusive to neighbouring properties. The Highway authority also recommended refusal.

The planning officer sided with these views and rejected the scheme for several reasons, including a lack of parking provision resulting in harm to highway safety along a section of the A337.

A report by the officer also says the scheme would be harmful to the residential amenities of those living in both Milford Road and Genoa Close.

It adds: "The proposal does not contribute positively to local distinctiveness by virtue of the bulk and massing of the proposed building."