DEVELOPERS have launched a new attempt to build homes behind a Grade II-listed pub in a New Forest village.

Bayview Developments has submitted a revised scheme for derelict land next door to the White Horse Inn at Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea.

Bayview originally sought consent to build four houses on the land, with access from an adjoining cul-de-sac.

New Forest District Council rejected the application two months ago on the grounds that the development would be cramped and congested.

Members also criticised the company's proposal to build an access road off neighbouring Grebe Close.

Cllr David Hawkins claimed that increasing the amount of traffic using the road would be “absolute madness” - a view echoed by former council chairman Maureen Holding.

Bayview is now asking for permission to build three houses, with access from Keyhaven Road.

Referring to the previous proposal the new application says no objection to the principle of redeveloping the site was raised by the council.

It adds: "The application was recommended for approval by officers and refused by the planning committee on the grounds the development was perceived to be cramped.

"The applicant has now put together an amended scheme which they consider addresses the council's previous concerns."

Bayview wants to build a trio of four-bedroom homes on the site, which is near a conservation area.

The land, which has no connection with the pub, has not been used for some time and is in poor condition.

Bayview's latest application says: "The dwellings have been carefully designed, taking account of the location close to the conservation area boundary and a desire to deliver a high quality scheme."

The council is hailing the proposal as a "significant improvement" on the previous plan.

Its initial assessment of the revised scheme says: "The number of dwellings has been reduced from four to three, together with changes to the layout.

"The reduction has resulted in more soft landscaping, larger plot sizes and a generally less intensive and cramped layout."

The previous scheme was opposed by Milford Parish Council and also sparked ten letters of objection - plus a 28-name petition from people living nearby.

Controversy centred on plans to build an access road off Grebe Close.

In a letter to the council one resident said: "I wish to reiterate my concerns regarding the safety and security of my six-year-old son, his friends playing in the cul-de-sac and my elderly mother walking her dogs twice a day."