New property firm eyes up redeveloping derelict Lyndhurst Park Hotel

THE derelict Lyndhurst Park Hotel could be bought by a new development company after it confirmed an interest in taking it on.

The landmark site at one of the gateways to Lyndhurst – known as the capital of the New Forest – has been an empty eyesore since shutting down in 2014.

It was later sold to Pegasus Life which has failed with two bids to demolish it and build about 90 homes.

Now the Highcliffe-based development arm of Hoburne Group, which includes Hoburne Holidays in New Milton, has confirmed to the A&T its interest in the site, which was reportedly bought by Pegasus for £5m.

A spokesperson for Hoburne Development said: “We are aware of the Lyndhurst Park Hotel site and have expressed interest in the development.

“We are currently working on several developments within the local vicinity, and we are always looking for new opportunities.”

The company, which is separate from the holiday parks operation, was formed in 1958 and says it undertakes projects ranging from luxury homes and housing estates to commercial buildings and business parks.

There was fresh activity at the site this week as a digger was spotted being delivered there this morning (Wednesday).

Cllr Hilary Brand, who represents the village on New Forest District Council, said the response to Hoburne’s involvement would depend on what it plans to do.

She said: “I think everybody will be glad at the change of hands but it depends on what they do. A lot of people had been wanting affordable housing – if they built a holiday park then it will not be. That would be a shame for young people and families who have to move out of Lyndhurst.”

The site may prove complicated to develop as the NPA’s newly adopted Local Plan, which sets out planning policies, has earmarked the land for 50 homes plus tourism uses – alongside the retention of the building’s historic elements. There is also a 50% affordable housing target.

As reported in the A&T, when the NPA’s Local Plan was scrutinised at a public inquiry last year, Pegasus said it had “no aspirations” for tourism on the site.

Earlier this year Pegasus said it would unveil a third new set of plans for the 60-bed hotel in the summer but nothing has emerged. More than 800 residents have objected to its previous schemes.

The first bid for 74 apartments and a dozen holiday homes was refused by the national park authority in 2017. Another rejection followed later in the year for 75 retirement flats and 15 affordable homes.

Late last year Pegasus then dropped a planning appeal on the second application without explanation within weeks of the public hearing – which prompted the NPA to pursue the company for costs.

The A&T asked Pegasus for comment but did not receive a response.

Pegasus is registered to an address in Winchester but is backed by Oaktree Capital Management, a powerful American private equity house.

The original Glasshayes House dates back to about 1810 and later parts are thought to have been designed by Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Residents have campaigned for the structure to be protected as part of the village’s heritage.