A SECOND scheme for work in a historic area of Romsey has been refused by planners.

The application, submitted by Tim Lincoln, was to build one house on the land to the rear of 11 Church Street. 

This is the second time Test Valley Borough Council has refused plans for work on the land.

Previously, a plan for two houses in the same area was thwarted.

The southern area planning committee refused the latest plan, for one house, at its meeting on December 13.

It had been recommended for permission, but the committee decided the house would be too large for the area.

In the council's report on the decision, it said: “By virtue of the scale, bulk and design of the proposal the development would be detrimental to the special architectural and historic importance of the King John's House heritage asset and its setting. The development would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of this designated heritage asset and the conservation area in which it sits. The public benefits arising from the development would not outweigh this harm.”

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Hampshire Gardens Trust sent an objection to the council. It said: “Hampshire Gardens Trust believes that if this application is approved it will adversely affect the use and setting of King John's House and garden.”

Romsey Town Council's planning committee also had concerns. A spokesman said: “This land is important to the context of King John's House which are a series of burgage plots. The new dwelling will dominate and be overbearing on the historic King John's House and gardens.”

A total of eight objections from members of the public were received. 

After the meeting, Cllr Sandra Gidley said: “The revised application retained the dwelling which, if built, would have had an overbearing impact on King John’s house and garden. I am pleased that the southern area planning committee voted to protect the unique setting of the Grade 1 listed building and its garden and supported my motion for refusal.”