Fears historic Pilgrim Inn pub could close if care home is built off Hythe Road in Marchwood

MARCHWOOD parish councillors are opposing plans to build a 66-bedroom care home, warning it could lead to the closure of a popular pub next door.

They said the proposed two-storey development on land off Hythe Road is “inappropriate” because it is so close to the A326 and the historic Pilgrim Inn.

In a statement to New Forest District Council, which will make the final decision, the parish council described the pub as an “asset for the local community”, holding regular events and live music.

If the care home was allowed, it added, there was the potential for “noise complaints” and the subsequent “possible loss” of the pub.

Apart from fears about the pub closing, the parish council also told NFDC there was “insufficient” parking planned at the care home and it was “out of keeping” with the area.

The application has been submitted by Leeds-based LNT Care Developments which said it provides “high quality” residential homes with “excellent environments that promote independence and wellbeing amongst residents”.

It has built 200 care homes in the UK since 2005 and wants its latest addition in Marchwood to be built on land south of Hythe Road and east of St Contest Way.

The home would be “highly suitable for this residential, sustainable and accessible location”, argued LNT.

All the bedrooms would have garden views and the home would boast a cafe/bar/dining room, plus a library, cinema and hairdresser’s.

It would be built in a “contemporary style” and have 25 parking spaces and be set within landscaped gardens.

Access to the home would be from St Contest Way and there would also be a direct pedestrian link through to Hythe Road.

There have been 12 letters of objection to the plan submitted to NFDC so far.

One neighbour said: “Construction traffic will make the area a war zone. You will have to take your life in your hands with the increase in HGVs.”

Another objector agreed, claiming: “The increase in traffic would cause danger to residents, road users, cyclists and dog walkers.”

Residents also said Hythe road becomes “gridlocked” during the school run, and construction traffic would only add to the problem.

Others said there was not enough parking for the care home, with one calling it “woefully inadequate”.

The inn was originally built as two thatched cottages in the 1700s.On the edge of the New Forest, it was described by the Telegraph newpaper as “everything you might imagine an English country pub to be”.

It was described as “postcard perfect” with horses brasses adorning the interior and “cosy” log fires.