A PUBLIC inquiry into plans to replace a former police station with housing is set to start later this month.

Churchill Retirement Living has lodged an appeal after being refused consent to demolish the building at Southampton Road, Lymington, and build 32 flats on the site.

The public inquiry is due to start at Lymington town hall on April 26.

The application, which sparked almost 80 letters of objection and a protest petition signed by more than 1,400 people, was rejected by the district council last year.

Churchill says the site is in a highly accessible location, making it suitable for older people, and will make a positive and sustainable contribution to the local economy.

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