CONTROVERSIAL plans for six self-build housing plots in the Hampshire countryside have been turned down.
The scheme, on land south of School Lane in Denmead, was recommended for refusal by Winchester City Council planning officers.
The planning committee unanimously agreed to refuse it on Wednesday, January 10.
Since 2021, two similar schemes have been turned down on the same site. In April last year, two pairs of self-build bungalows were refused on Uplands Road at Anthill Common on the outskirts of Denmead.
The scheme, submitted by Mr and Mrs Hopkins, at School Lane, was recommended for refusal because it was considered unjustified in the countryside location.
The application received 84 objections and 21 supporting comments.
READ MORE: Romsey planning: Objections over plans to built two homes in garden
Objector Martyn Cooper told the committee he had lived in School Lane for 20 years. He said: “Most people move here for the tranquility and the rural environment. People like it the way it is. It got 86 objections from a not very highly populated area.
“This could set a precedent for neighbouring fields. They are trying to do this in the wrong place.”
Linda Read, of Anthill Close, said: “What is at stake here is the conservation of the countryside. This is an attempt to find a planning loophole.”
Kevin Andreoli, from Denmead Parish Council, said: “This will result in new dwellings in the countryside without justification. It doesn't meet a community need. There are several suitable sites in the settlement boundary. We support the recommendation to refuse it."
Cllr Paula Langford-Smith, who represents Denmead on Winchester City Council, said: “We've seen applications for this site before which have been refused. It fails to enhance biodiversity and would result in significant harm.
“The applicants have not demonstrated a need for this to be built in the countryside.”
Andrew Moger, the applicants' agent, said: “The applicants are not developers, they are a family. They want to provide something for the benefit of the local community. The benefits demonstrably outweigh the harm.”
The committee said the scheme had merit but was in the wrong location.
Cllr Michael Read said: “There are other areas where development could take place. I support the officers' recommendation to refuse this.”
Cllr Danny Lee, Green Party, said: “Self-builds can help people get on the housing ladder. This is the right development in the wrong place.”
The committee voted unanimously to refuse the application.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here