VILLAGERS are getting bitter after new owners of a popular Bransgore pub announced plans to build houses on the car park.

Development company Inntown Properties, which acquired the Carpenters Arms in Burley Road earlier this year, has now applied to New Forest District Council for permission to build nine two-bedroom homes in two terraced blocks.

Widely rumoured since February, the redevelopment also includes providing replacement parking for the pub on the site of the garden, play area and outbuildings at the rear of the pub.

But locals fear the development, if allowed, will threaten the viability of the Victorian village pub which they say provides a vital amenity and venue for family functions.

Bransgore Residents Association has launched a leaflet campaign in the village and dozens of protesters packed the parish council meeting on Tuesday to air their objections to the plans.

The usual 30-minute democratic session at the start of the meeting was extended to an hour, and an open meeting has been convened next week to allow further discussion

As well as the possible threat to the future of the Carpenters Arms, objectors also claim the proposals will cause:

l parking and access conflicts between pub customers and occupiers of the new homes;

l overlooking of neighbouring properties in Hill Close;

l traffic hazard in Burley Road;

l drainage problems for low-lying homes nearby;

l damage to a protected 300-year-old yew in the pub grounds.

The residents association has delivered hundreds of leaflets around the village urging people to send their objections to New Forest District Council's planning department where officers are currently assessing the scheme.

In a supporting letter with the application, Inntown's planning consultant Jerry Davies said the scheme had been drawn up in consultation with council officers to meet local need for small houses.

He said: "The proposed development will make more effective use of the land without prejudicing the operation of the public house.

"It will also provide for a type of dwelling that is needed locally."

First published: September 23