New retirement homes scheme unveiled for Lyndhurst

ANOTHER retirement home scheme in Lyndhurst has been drawn up to take the place of two houses near the top of the high street.

Churchill Retirement Living has put in plans to bulldoze a pair of neighbouring properties to make way for a three-storey block of 27 flats on the corner of Knightwood Avenue and Elcombes Close, off the A35.

The plots are at the opposite end of the village from the site on which Pegasus Life was trying to build 75 retirement flats and 15 affordable homes.

It recently dropped its plans for the former Lyndhurst Park Hotel and has gone back to the drawing board.

Ringwood-based Churchill wants to demolish Tyrol House and Magnolias to make way for the over-60s scheme, which would include a guest apartment and parking for 11.

Lyndhurst councillor Pay Wyeth was concerned about the space for cars and the impact on the look of the street.

She said: “For 26 units plus one guest flat, 11 is not enough. They continually have this argument that because it’s older people, they do not need cars because it’s close to the village and they can walk.

“That does not stack up because, although it’s residential, some people may need carers and they will want visitors, and visitors have to park. We continually see these applications coming forward with not enough parking – and that area already suffers from over-parking.”

She added: “I know there is concern in that area because it will change the whole street scene.”

Churchill’s application to the national park authority said the proposal would “provide a high quality design that accords with the character of the area, whilst meeting the needs of the future occupiers.

“The development would allow independent living, reducing security worries for older people, reducing loneliness and isolation for older people by creating a community and having someone whom can be called upon in an emergency.

“The use of the site for a retirement housing development is wholly appropriate at this location, and the design of the proposal will make a positive contribution to the street scene that will respect and enhance the character and appearance of the area.”

A public exhibition was held by Churchill before it submitted the planning application to the national park authority in January.

A decision by the NPA is scheduled after the deadline for public comments on 18th March.