PLANS to build 10 two-storey detached executive homes on the derelict and partially roofless former Spaniard Inn on the A3 have been turned down by a government planning inspector.
Although John Roberts branded the site as a "derelict eyesore" he said following a site visit, that the "advantages of the scheme were outweighed by the disadvantages".
While he believed that traffic from the proposed homes would be less of a hazard than if another hotel was allowed to be built on the site, he considered that the proposed development of a little more than 14 houses per hectare "an inefficient use of land".
Previously the site of Ravens, on the A3 at Bramshott Chase, the former nightclub has suffered at the hands of vandals and thieves and has remained empty for 10 years.
Outline plans to demolish the derelict building, which is believed to have had its origins in the 16th century, and build 10 two-storey executive homes on the site were turned down by East Hampshire District Council last January and an appeal lodged.
Access was proposed from the western end of Knockhundred Lane close to its junction with the A3.
The inspector considered the development within an area of special landscape quality (ASLQ), was not in line with government policy.
The developer's plans were for 14 homes and well below government planning guidelines of 30 homes per hectare.
The houses, said Mr Roberts, would not be served by public transport and he was concerned that it would have a negative effect on the surrounding countryside because residents would have to depend on using their own cars.
He considered that although Grayshott village centre with its wide range of shops and facilities was only two km away and Hindhead some 3 km walking or cycling would be unlikely alternatives to private car travel to and from the site.
With government calling for homes to be located close to existing services, facilities and employment opportunities the inspector decided that it would not be the case if the development went ahead.
Other reasons for rejecting the appeal were that the new development would not be in keeping with the surrounding environment.
The inspector also believed that mains drainage was either not available or inadequate which would also break government planning policy guidelines for the redevelopment of brownfield sites
Best known as The Spaniard, the hotel was renamed The Venue with The Ravens alongside in the early 1990s.
Once owned by actor Michael Caine, it has changed hands several times in recent years and is now thought to be valued in excess of £2.5 million