AN appeal has been lodged with the planning inspectorate against the refusal by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) to grant permission for the proposed development of land west of The Haven on Boyneswood Road, Medstead.

The outline application for the construction of 17 two-storey dwellings and one replacement dwelling was turned down by EHDC planners in April on grounds that the majority of the site lies outside the settlement policy boundary for South Medstead.

Furthermore, the district council is now able to demonstrate a deliverable five-year supply of land for housing and that this would result in a disproportionate number of additional homes above and beyond the identified housing figure for Four Marks/South Medstead, as set out in the adopted joint core strategy (local plan).

District planners felt that the proposed “urban form of development”, by virtue of the proposed number of dwellings and indicative cramped layout, would result in the loss of a large amount of greenfield land, thus failing to conserve or enhance the semi-rural character and appearance of the area, and that it would have a detrimental impact on the amenities of neighbouring properties.

In addition, the application failed to demonstrate, in the opinion of the planners, that the development could be achieved in such a way that it would not result in increased surface water flooding in and around the site and that groundwater would not be adversely affected by potential contaminants from the construction and operation of the development.

It was considered, therefore, that the proposed residential development would be contrary to local and national planning policy.

The appeal is to be dealt with by written representation.

Comments should be sent in writing to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 3N, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting APP/M1710/W/16/3154870Comments to arrive no later than November 14.