Former Hospital Site to be Transformed into Residential Development
Lyndhurst’s historic Fenwick Hospital site, once a cornerstone of local healthcare, is set to be repurposed for housing by its new owners, London-based developer Goldcrest Custom Homes. The sale of the site by the NHS last year, which concluded despite significant local opposition, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the property that has stood at Pikes Hill since 1908.
The site, originally opened as a hospital and later transitioned to a health and wellbeing centre, closed its doors permanently in 2022. The developers now plan to submit a planning application to the New Forest National Park Authority later this year, proposing the construction of 20 homes.
Development Plans
Goldcrest Custom Homes has outlined an ambitious vision for the site. The development will feature 16 new dwellings, comprising a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties. Additionally, existing cottages at the entrance of the site will be converted into four houses.
A brochure detailing the proposal highlights Lyndhurst as an ideal location for such a development, given its extensive range of services and facilities within the New Forest National Park. The site is described as “an opportunity to reinstate an underutilised brownfield site, including buildings which are vacant.”
Goldcrest’s plans emphasize high-quality design, with each dwelling set to have a generous curtilage and parking facilities, reflecting the character of Pikes Hill. The development aims to contribute significantly to the housing requirements outlined in the New Forest National Park Local Plan.
Local Reactions
The proposed transformation of the Fenwick Hospital site has elicited mixed reactions from local residents and officials. One district councillor acknowledged the historic value of the site but expressed pragmatic support for the housing plan, noting that converting the building for another use, such as a new headquarters for the New Forest National Park Authority, would likely be cost-prohibitive. “It is a bit sad to see it go, given its history and significance to many in the community who were born there,” the councillor said.
Historical Context and Controversy
The sale of Fenwick Hospital has been a contentious issue within the Lyndhurst community. Built in 1908, the hospital ceased operations in 2005 and briefly served as a health and wellbeing centre from 2008 to 2022. Its sale by the NHS was met with claims that the hospital had been gifted to the village by its builder and should remain a community asset.
An NHS spokesperson clarified the situation during the sale process, explaining that the site had not been used as a hospital since 2005 and therefore was being auctioned off as it was no longer needed. This statement did little to quell the disappointment among some locals. The chairman of a local community group supporting the hospital expressed frustration, noting that the group was offered first refusal but lacked the funds to purchase the site. The property was ultimately auctioned for £825,000.
Future Developments
As the planning application progresses, the community remains engaged and watchful of the potential impact this development might have on Lyndhurst. The transformation of the Fenwick Hospital site into a residential area promises to address housing needs but also raises questions about preserving the historical essence of the village.
The decision on the planning application by the New Forest National Park Authority will be closely monitored, with many anticipating that the development could set a precedent for future projects within the national park.
In conclusion, the proposed housing development on the Fenwick Hospital site represents both an end and a beginning for Lyndhurst. While the loss of a historical site is lamented by many, the promise of new housing and revitalised use of the land offers a hopeful outlook for the village’s future. As Lyndhurst moves forward, balancing development with heritage preservation will be key to maintaining the unique character of this cherished community.
