IT is the town famously “too posh” for Argos.

Now it appears Lymington is 'too snooty' for cut-price pub chain JD Wetherspoon too.

Planning officers are recommending councillors reject controversial plans to let the famous name open up a new boozer in the town.

It comes in the wake of huge opposition to the application – with more than 1,000 people signing a petition objecting to it, and almost as many writing to the council to say they don’t want it.

Complaints have ranged from the disruption singing in the pub could cause to services at the neighbouring historic 13th century St Thomas’ Church to the fact the firm doesn’t buy its meat locally.

Objectors also say the pub will increase the smell of “tobacco, alcohol, traffic fumes and urine”, attract “troublemakers and boozers” from outside the area, and lead to drug-dealing in the churchyard.

One criticism simply stated: “Lymington is upmarket with high rent and rates, and should stay that way.”

It is the second time Wetherspoon has applied to convert the Palfrey & Kemp store in St Thomas’ Street into a two-storey pub and restaurant.

Last year, its attempts were thrown out because of the site’s proximity to the church and nearby Monmouth House old people’s home.

But the chain has altered its plans and received significant support, with 110 people writing to back it, saying the pub will be a welcome addition to Lymington, bringing the town “to life and into the 21st century”, providing jobs and a viable use for the site.

However, as well as the public objections, both Lymington and Pennington Town Council, and the Parochial Church Council, have also urged New Forest District Council’s planning committee to throw out the plans.

And officers are recommending members refuse the application at Wednesday’s meeting.

In a lengthy report they said: “The likely high-spirited behaviour of customers when leaving the proposed drinking establishment, particularly in the late evening, would be the cause of anxiety and stress for elderly residents.

“And [that behaviour] would detract from the cultural significance of the church and grounds as a place of quiet dignity and respect which is a feature of local importance for the community.”