CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to replace a former Hampshire police station with 32 retirement flats have launched an online petition.

Churchill Retirement Living's application to redevelop a site at Southampton Road, Lymington, comes just weeks after planning permission was granted for 44 retirement apartments at nearby Stanford Hill.

Critics claim Lymington already has too many flats for the over-55s and say the police site should be used to provide housing for younger people.

The application has already sparked a flurry of objections, including one from the influential Lymington Society.

Now New Forest West Labour Party has joined the campaign to persuade the district council to reject the proposal.

Members have launched an online petition but are also collecting signatures in the street as well as going door-to-door.

Spokesperson Jennie Worsdale said: "Some of our members are residents of Lymington and are all too aware that young people are priced out of the town they were born in.

"Over the last 20 years I've watched the proliferation of sheltered retirement flats in the town. We've now reached saturation point, with many of the flats remaining unoccupied.

"Farringford Court, directly opposite the police station site, has 11 flats for sale.

"Many younger people have told us of their real difficulties in finding accommodation. This is a cause of concern not just to them but also to many older residents who recognise the town needs young people if it's to remain a vibrant community.

"It simply cannot be right that consent be given to build yet more sheltered retirement flats when there is already a surplus.

"We aim to submit the petition to NFDC to demonstrate the feeling of many that enough is enough - we do not need more retirement flats

"This isn't just about people being able to live where they were born. It's also about ensuring there are homes for key workers."

Churchill's application says the number UK citizens aged 65 or over is expected to rise to 15 million by 2030.

It adds: "The vast majority of our housing stock is not built with the needs of older people in mind. There are still far too few suitable new homes being delivered and many older people are living in homes which are unable to meet their changing needs.

"It is estimated there will be a shortfall of 400,000 purpose-built homes for older people by 2035."