White Horse Pub and garden in Milford could become five new homes

THE site of a Grade II listed Milford pub could be developed into five new homes if plans submitted to New Forest District Council get the go-ahead.

The White Horse Pub on Keyhaven Road has been vacant since the departure of its former landlord in early 2018. The former pub and its extensive rear garden were later sold at auction by Enterprise Inns.

Now new designs have emerged from Stoneriver Projects Ltd to convert the building into two three-bedroom homes, plus a trio of properties on land behind the site.

They follow an unrelated bid by Bayview Developments for four homes behind the pub, which is currently the subject of a planning appeal.

The new application said: “The land is currently uncared for and as such detracts from the character and appearance of the area and conservation area. The proposals offer the opportunity to enhance the appearance of the area and create visual interest.”

The application “strikes the appreciate balance” between preserving the listed building and making use of a brownfield site, it said.

It added: “The White Horse public house has been in decline for many years and is currently vacant.“In reality, due to its isolated position from the commercial centre of the village, listed status and need of considerable financial investment to restore any resemblance of its former appearance and to allow modern operating methods, the reality is the continued use as a public house is not realistic – particularly in an era where such pubs are closing all across the country.”

The scheme includes private rear gardens, 12 parking spaces, and a vehicle charging point.

The public has until 13th August to submit comments.