Plans to build 45 houses in Medstead have been approved by East Hampshire District Council.

The decision was made despite the council receiving 53 letters of objection from the public – and none in favour – plus strong objections from the parish councils in Medstead and Four Marks.

Mark Turner’s application was for land behind Brackenbury Gardens and Boyneswood Close, with access from Holland Drive.

In its objection, Medstead Parish Council said: “The proposed site is outside of the settlement policy boundary and is therefore contrary to policy CP19 of the East Hampshire District Council Local Plan joint core strategy and also policy 1 of the Medstead and Four Marks Neighbourhood Plan.

“Development of this site has been subject to a number of previous applications, all of which have been rejected both at local and national levels.

“Medstead Parish Council considers this application to be unwarranted, unwanted and unnecessary.”

Four Marks Parish Council’s objection said: “The fact the local planning authority can no longer demonstrate a five-year housing land supply does not mean that policies referring to development in the countryside no longer carry weight.

“The proposed site is the last remaining piece of open green space in this location.”