A DEVELOPER wants to create a public square behind the historic Angel Hotel in the heart of Lymington.

However, the town council is opposing the plan on various grounds including its historic archaeological importance.

Landford Estates Ltd, which is based in North Close, Lymington, a few steps from the former coaching inn, wants to build on part of the hotel car park.

The application also extends into the ancient walled garden at the rear of what was Kings bookshop and printing works, now Ottakars bookshop.

Two sections of the high brick wall separating the car park from the garden will have to be demolished, as will the hotel's garage and store block.

The site will provide space for two three-bedroomed cottages in the garden area with eight shops with seven two-bedroom flats above them in the car park. There would also be a pedestrian courtyard and cycle shelter.

Planning agent Chris Oldroyd said: "The applicant will create a public square for Lymington, which it doesn't have at the moment. All the existing shop units will stay."

There would be a footpath leading from the main Cannon Street car park through the new square to the Angel archway and the High Street. The arch would remain pedestrianised and part of the Angel Hotel car park would remain.

Town councillors discussed the issues last week and will advise New Forest District Council to refuse the plan.

In addition to citing the historic importance of the site, they are against additional food and drink sales there, say there is no private or public amenity space, the flats development is over-dominant and roof lights are inappropriate in the conservation area.

First published: October 18