REVISED plans for a housing development some residents feared would turn the area into a “hell hole” have been submitted. 

Poole housebuilder AJC Group has gone back to the drawing board and revised its plans to redevelop the Becton Centre in Barton-On-Sea, New Milton.

Following the refusal of 31 apartments in a three-storey building earlier this year, AJC has taken onboard feedback from the New Forest District Council and stakeholders to reduce the footprint of its proposal. 

Now down to two-and-a-half storeys, the apartment block will feature 27 dwellings with an amended design and layout to a more traditional design. 

Bournemouth Echo: AJC's old plans which were rejectedAJC's old plans which were rejected (Image: AJC Group)

Concerns which were raised around parking have also been addressed, AJC say, with 40 spaces available rather than the initial 38. 

David Cracklen, director of AJC Group, said he was “extremely disappointed” the initial plans were refused but that feedback has been taken on board. 

“The New Forest has a significant shortfall in available housing land and the demand for homes is high,” he said.

Read more: Objection over flats plan at old Becton Centre hospital

“The Becton Centre is a derelict building on a brownfield site, often these vacant sites can be subject to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.  

He said the newest offering will “complement and enhance this highly desirable seaside location”, adding: “We are confident our revised plans mitigate previous concerns raised and that this is a viable new development opportunity that can only bring benefit to the local area.” 

Several of the apartments will benefit from private balconies, while communal landscaped gardens to the rear of the building would be accessible by all future residents.  

AJC hopes the new homes will introduce more diversity to the town’s residents by attracting younger adults. 

Bournemouth Echo: The former Becton Centre in New Milton.The former Becton Centre in New Milton. (Image: Chapman Lily)

Formerly an NHS-run residential mental health facility, the 1950s building was abandoned in January 2021 after a “significant number” of health and safety issues raised over time were deemed too expensive to remedy. 

Residents and the New Milton Town Council had objected to the initial plans for its apparent “poor design”. 

Members of the council accused the old plans of not adhering to the neighbourhood plan, but AJC insist this new scheme adheres to the New Milton Neighbourhood Plan. 

The revised plans will be considered at a later date.