PLANNERS have put off a decision on a major scheme that would ease the growing shortage of rest home places in the New Forest.

They have shelved an application to provide a further 50 bedrooms at the Engleburn residential care home in Milford Road, New Milton.

Local planning policies prevent care homes in the green belt from expanding if the scheme would have a harmful impact on the surrounding countryside.

The rules will be relaxed if proposed changes to the district local plan are given the go-ahead following last year's public inquiry.

Members of the district council's planning committee deferred the Engleburn application pending the outcome of the inquiry, despite calls to approve the scheme.

Brockenhurst member Maureen Holding referred to the shortage of care home beds in the Forest and added: "We will deprive the community of badly-needed places if we reject this application."

Councillors were told that New Milton Town Council and Hampshire social services supported the proposal.

New Milton member Alan Rice said he was surprised and disappointed when he discovered that planning officers were recommending the committee to refuse the extension.

He added: "The people of this area want it and are looking to us to say so."

But a report to councillors said the scheme amounted to inappropriate development in the green belt and breached the council's current planning policies.

Chris Elliott, head of development control, said nothing had changed since an identical application to extend the home was turned down last year.

He added: "It would be very damaging for this council if it were to change its decision. You should refuse the latest application or allow it to rest on the table until we get the inspector's report on the local plan."

A proposal to defer was approved by 12 votes to six.

However, Engleburn's appeal against the rejection of its original application will be heard next month.