Objections grow against potential Tesco in village

After much rumour and speculation, New Forest District Council has received a planning application (25/10398) from Harden Homes Limited for 'existing garage to facilitate a change of use to from a convenience store. This site for this proposal is 20 Keyhaven Road, Milford-on-Sea'. The upstairs flats would be retained.

The planning application documents can be viewed by clicking here and changing the filter from 'Show All' to 'Submitted Applications'. 

The application is suspected to ultimately be for a Tesco Express store, but this is not stated on any submitted documents. However, Tesco are currently advertising for a Store Manager for a new Tesco Express store in Keyhaven Road, Milford on Sea. To view the advert, please click here.

The site was originally a petrol filling station and car garage from 1964. In 2016, it was converted to a hand car wash and valeting services until its closure last year.

Mark at The Village News, an independent newsagent in the village centre, made this impassioned post on Facebook. 

Please Say NO to Tesco in Milford on Sea

As someone who both works and lives in Milford on Sea, this village is so much more than just a place to run my shop. It’s my home, my community, and where I’ve built real relationships with the people who live here. Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of the local fabric, and it’s something I hold dear to my heart.

We already have two well-supported convenience stores, and alongside them, we have a number of smaller, independent family-run businesses that give this village its unique charm and character. We may not have everything, but we do our best to serve the community with care, personal service, and dedication. We know our customers, and they know us — that’s what makes Milford on Sea so special.

Now, there’s a proposal to bring a Tesco to the village — and I’m genuinely worried about what that means for all of us. This isn’t just about one store — a Tesco would draw customers away from the centre of the village, affecting all local businesses around the village green, not just the convenience stores. From cafés, gift shops, and services, the impact would be felt across the entire community.

Once independent businesses close, it’s incredibly difficult to bring them back, and our village will lose what makes it truly unique.

I’m asking for your support:

Object to the Tesco proposal via the New Forest District Council.

Share this post to help raise awareness.

Please also continue to support the local businesses around the village green—your support really does make a difference.

Milford on Sea is special because of its independent spirit. Let’s work together and protect Our Special Place, Milford on Sea.

To read the original post, please click here.

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To date, there have been 121 public comments, many raising objections. The number of comments is anticipated to grow further before the closing date.

To have your say, please click here. (Closing date: 6th June 2025)

To read the public comments to date, please click here. 

There are also several online posts with a multitude of comments, many objecting and some in favour, on the We Love Milford on Sea Facebook page.

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Milford on Sea Parish Council

Annual Parish Meeting: Wednesday, 28th of May 2025 at 7.30pm in All Saints Church Hall.

All members of the public are invited to attend. A glass of wine & refreshments will be available.

Following this, the convenience store planning application will be heard at the next Parish Council Planning meeting on 2nd June 2025, after which they will make an official recommendation.