AN application to build three detached dwellings on land east of Rectory Lane in Bentley has been dismissed.

The proposal was turned down by East Hampshire planners on grounds that the site is located outside the settlement policy boundary of Bentley and the residential development would be contrary to the policies of East Hampshire District Council’s joint core strategy (local plan) concerning development of the countryside.

Having made a site visit on Feburary 1, and received written representations, appeal inspector Chris Couper concluded that located outside the settlement policy boundary and comprising an undeveloped field, the scheme would result in an encroachment into the open countryside which would harm the character and appearance of the area.

It would thereby “conflict with those planning policies which seek to direct housing to locations within settlement policy boundarys, and which recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside”.