Local residents do not want the urbanisation of rural New Forest lanes with increased traffic while a councillor said there should not be any “elitist” age-restricted housing.
Applicant Stoneriver Homes Ltd and Belco Holdings Ltd have been green lit to build 26 homes including 15 affordable flats and houses for over 55s.
Outline planning permission was also granted for four self-build houses on land east of Lower Pennington Lane, Pennington.
There will also be an alternative natural recreational green space and a public open space plus a play area and car parking for Oakhaven Hospice.
There were eight letters of objection received and one in support of the proposals, said the council report.
New Forest District Council’s planning committee meeting on July 9 heard the current bungalow will be demolished to make way for 15 affordable homes made-up of two, two-bedroom houses and three, two-bedroom flats for shared ownership. There would also be ten one-bedroom flats for rent.
Objecting to the plans, the Pennington and Lymington Lanes Society, represented by Simon Potts, said the roads around the development are “rural lanes and urbanisation is not for this area”.
Councillor Jacqui England (Independent, Lymington) said the development will be decimating the rural area because the lanes are rural and housing is needed but not to this density.
While there will be 50 per cent affordable housing, members were divided over the age restriction as some said there was greater need by younger people.
With Councillor Jack Davies (Lib Dem, Pennington) saying restricting it to over 55s is elitist, referring to the age group having mobility issues.
Under 55s will be allowed if the homes are not rented by over 55s, said the developer’s agent, Simon Trewitt.
The plots will be available to those on the council’s self-build register. Each plot is approved for a 280 square metre home with a maximum height of 10.5 metres.
The committee agreed to this planning application reference 24/10401, voting nine in favour and two against.