THE latest proposal to replace a New Forest pub with housing will be examined at a hearing next month.

Taylor Grey Homes appealed after its bid to build two properties on land occupied by the Silver Hind in Sway was rejected by the National Park Authority (NPA) after sparking 68 objections.

Now NPA bosses have announced that the appeal will be heard at Lymington town hall on May 15.

The authority rejected the application after saying the existing building provided employment. It also described the housing scheme as cramped, and cited its potential impact on a protected tree.

A previous proposal to build three homes on the site was turned down by the NPA in 2017.

Taylor Grey has described the pub in Station Road as unviable.

The latest application blamed the NPA for problems faced by the business, saying it had rejected previous plans which aimed to improve the facilities.

The application said: “Attempts to enhance the accommodation and restaurant have been stopped by the planning authority.”