A RENEWED bid has been launched to demolish a car garage in the New Forest and replace it with a convenience store, flats and houses just weeks after an initial application was refused.

The latest proposals for the Hatch Motors of Sway site, at Station Road, still include a three-storey building comprising of a Co-op food shop, but with fewer flats.

The previous scheme featured six flats and four three-storey 'town houses'.

New Forest National Park Authority's (NFNPA) planning committee rejected the initial proposal as members said the scheme would lead to an "over-intensification of activities at the site".

In refusing the application, NFNPA also raised concerns regarding adequate provision for delivery vehicles to the Co-op.

The development still plans to build four separate dwellings to the rear of the site, but the plans now set out two-storey 'cottage-style' properties.

The number of flats above the Co-op has been reduced to five, in the form of one one-bedroom and four two-bedroom dwellings.

In response to the delivery issues, the applicants have produced a car park and delivery management plan.

A letter written in support of the proposals by applicants Landmark Estates says: "The number of residential units proposed has been reduced.

"Both the mixed-use building and cottage dwellings to the rear have been reduced in height.

"Elevational changes to the massing and bulk of both buildings have tangible, visible benefits.

"Collectively, the design changes have improved the building’s street scene appearance.

"In summary, the scheme would provide a quantum of mixed-use development appropriate to its

village centre location, delivering inward investment in Sway and providing much needed family

homes."

However, Hampshire County Council Highways team have recommended refusal of the latest application.

In response to the scheme, the Highways Authority says: "The proposal incorporates inadequate provision for the parking and manoeuvring of vehicles clear of the highway which would result in vehicles interfering with the free flow of traffic on the adjoining highway."

Residents have until Monday November 27 to give their views on the scheme to NFNPA.