A PLANNING inspector is holding a public inquiry to decide a controversial plan to build 33 retirement apartments in Ringwood.

The plan by McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyle Ltd to demolish and redevelop the existing site at 2, Parsonage Barn Lane and 5, 7, 9, and 11 Mount Pleasant Lane will be heard at New Forest District Council’s offices in Lymington from 10am on April 23.

The inspector will then, having heard from members of the public, have until July 18 to make his decision.

A larger scheme for 39 apartments has already been rejected by planners then turned down on appeal.

The revised plan attempted to address the concerns of neighbours over the scale of the development, but still proved unpopular. It was turned down by councillors in December, despite planning officer backing.

Ringwood Town Council has recommended refusal, saying although the revised plan is an improvement on the previous scheme, it is still “overbearing” and “dominant”.

Councillors felt the height of the roof should be reduced and there should be even fewer apartments.

The district council did receive ten letters of support from people interested in living at the scheme, but neighbours still say it is too big and cramped and raised concerns over additional traffic, especially near the schools, lack of parking, loss of privacy for neighbouring properties, noise and adverse impact on property values.

The site currently contains five detached homes and sits between Ringwood School and Carvers recreation ground, bowling club and homes.

McCarthy & Stone has told the council it would not be commercially viable to provide 40 per cent affordable housing in the £4.2million scheme, as expected in new developments, or for it to pay a contribution of £201,036, which would be expected if no affordable housing is provided.

The company has offered £20,000, which has been accepted.