Controversial plans to turn a former Hampshire nursing home into a rehabilitation centre for criminals with drink and drug problems have today been withdrawn.

Changing Lanes (12 Steps) Ltd made the move after its application to convert the Linford Park complex near Ringwood sparked a spate of protests.

But the company said it planned to submit another application after considering the issues that had been raised.

Linford Park closed in 2010 after it was raided by the UK Border Agency, which discovered that some of the staff were working in the UK illegally.

Changing Lanes wants to turn it into a centre for 90 drug and alcohol-dependent residents, including prisoners released under curfew and offenders sent there as an alternative to jail.

Villagers living nearby are fighting the scheme, claiming it could lead to a crimewave.

Objectors say their homes will be burgled by people desperate for cash to buy drink and drugs if the project goes ahead.