CIVIC chiefs expressed sympathy for a Hampshire farmer as they rejected plans for two luxury homes on his land near Alresford.

Jonathan Humphrey wanted to demolish existing agricultural buildings and replace them with two seven-bedroom houses at Wolfhanger Farm, near Bramdean.

But planning bosses unanimously rejected the application at a meeting in the Guildhall last Thursday.

Mr Humphrey told the committee the proposal was the best use of his land, since recent changes in legislation had put a strain on his chicken farming business.

He was supported in his application by Cllr Harry Verney, who said: “This development is not alien or incongruous and the landscape character would be improved.”

Cllr Verney also argued that the development would bring employment opportunities to the area, since “no-one runs a seven-bedroom household singlehandedly.”

But planning officers recommended councillors reject the plans as there was no need for the houses and that such developments could harm the character of the South Downs National Park within which it sits.

Cllr Barry Lipscomb said: “I think we all readily understand that the current buildings are ugly in style. I for one have genuine sympathy with egg producers who currently find themselves under pressure. But we have to consider this application on the sole basis of our planning policy. I can see no way in which we can approve this, whatever sympathy we may have for the Humphrey family.”

Cllr Therese Evans said: “I do not recall seeing an application recently where there were so many policy objections. There are eight here. I cannot support this application at all.”