DEVELOPERS behind a controversial housing plan that was thrown out by Winchester councillors earlier this year have lost their appeal.

The proposal, for 5 Boyne Rise in Kings Worthy, would have seen a house demolished and replaced with four new homes, but was rejected following a site visit by Winchester City Council’s planning committee in February.

An appeal was lodged in March, but has now been refused by planning inspector Benjamin Webb.

Mr Webb said: “The proposed development would have a significant adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area.”

He added: “As the proposed development would involve a net increase of three dwellings on the site, the existing access and driveway would see a significant increase in use.

“The substantial increase in vehicular use of the access and driveway immediately opposite the frontage of No 6, would, in my opinion, give rise to a degree of noise and disturbance whose effect on the occupants would be appreciably adverse in nature.

“This would be exacerbated by the additional effects of increased proximity and exposure arising from turning and extension of the driveway along the side boundary, and noise caused by manoeuvring of vehicles within the site.”

Originally, the scheme would have seen five new homes built, with the revised plan being recommended for approval despite drawing more than 30 objections.

However, councillors ignored the recommendation and voted to reject the application as it represented an overdevelopment and was out of character.

As previously reported, Boyne Rise resident Terry Foley told the planning committee earlier this year: “I cannot see that there is space for any service vehicle to even access the site safely, let alone turn and leave in forward gear. This is essential in the interests of road safety.

“Apart from bin lorries and emergency vehicles this would include vans and lorries for people moving in, couriers and Tesco/Waitrose delivery vehicles. This will inevitably lead to such vehicles being parked outside numbers four, six and seven.”

A spokesman for Kings Worthy Parish Council, which also objected to the plans, added: “It dominates neighbouring properties in size and height taking away their privacy and amenities.

“The buildings are not in character with neighbouring properties.”

However, the plans did receive a number of letters of support, including nearby resident Gary Garton, of London Road, who said: “This is an area well suited for new homes.”

“It is a location that is close to the schools and shops. If current residents continue to use the driveways they have then parking and blocking up the road will not be an issue.”