HOPES of a village green in Kings Worthy have been dashed by county council chiefs.

Hampshire county councillors refused two applications for the registration of land known as ‘Top Field’, Springvale, as a town or village green.

The refusal followed the recommendation of Morag Ellis QC, who chaired a public inquiry into the applications in September and October last year.

Speaking about the result, Sandie Evans, secretary of Top Field Action Group, said: "It's very disappointing but what we expected after reading the Inspector's report.

"We will continue to try and save as much of Top Field as possible and are having an urgent meeting to discuss our ways forward. This will not be to appeal for a Village Green but will be tackled another way."

The council's decision comes more than a year after plans from developers Drew Smith for 57 houses were refused by Winchester City Council for the site off Hookpit Farm Lane.

The developer has already built 25 homes on the site after approval of a separate application.

They currently have outline plans to build 25 homes on the field, but Top Field Action Group (TFAG) were trying to protect the space from development by having it declared a village green.

The Local Plan Part 2 for future development in Kings Worthy states that the area has adequate housing supply until 2031, so no new homes are required.