A DEVELOPER has been told to think again over a controversial multi-million-pound plan to redevelop a former transport hub in the New Forest.

Renaissance Retirement wants to transform Lymington’s old bus station by building sheltered housing on the site, which occupies a prime location in the town centre.

But the company’s initial proposal has been driven off the road by the district council’s conservation officer.

Warren Leaver’s report accused Renaissance of drawing up “confused” plans that risked damaging the town’s historic conservation area and the setting of nearby listed buildings.

Mr Leaver claimed the proposed development was more suited to a waterfront location such as Poole or Portsmouth.

He added: “We would suggest that a fresh start is required and that the degree of built form is reduced significantly along with a much clearer contextual layout.”

Mr Leaver’s objections to the £10 million scheme have been praised by conservation watchdogs at the Lymington Society.

Spokesman Don Mackenzie said: “We feel strongly that the current proposal is far too large in mass and scale for this historic site and fully support the conservation officer.

“The Lymington Society also feels that we have enough sheltered housing in the town.”

A Lymington and Pennington Town Council spokesman added: “There are many unsold sheltered housing units in the town, which seems to disprove the notion that the town is in need of this development."

But Renaissance Retirement has cited the need for sheltered housing in the area and said it planned to submit a revised scheme.

Simon McFarlane, the company’s associate director of planning, said: “The development of much-needed retirement housing in a central location will be a very good use for the site and will have significant economic benefits for the town and businesses on the High Street.”

Mr McFarlane referred to the district council’s newly-published Local Plan Review.

The controversial document says thousands of new homes should be built in the New Forest to cater for population growth, including a sharp rise in the number of people aged over 65.

Mr McFarlane added: “We are currently seeking to positively address comments that have been made by the council’s conservation officer.

“Our revised plans will be submitted to the council’s planning department at the earliest opportunity.”