A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has dismissed an appeal against the refusal of planning permission for 17 new homes at one of the main entrances to Rowledge, on the corner of Fullers Road and the A325,.

Inspector Louise Gibbons, appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, published her decision on Tuesday last week in support of East Hampshire District Council.

The council rejected Bewley Homes’ application for a mix of detached and semi-detached homes last November on the grounds that it would be “completely at odds with the established character and appearance of the settlement”.

Bewley Homes disputed this and referred the decision to the Secretary of State, with concessions including reducing the size of two of the new homes and relocating them further away from neighbouring properties.

In determining the appeal, inspector Louise Gibbons acknowledged the proposal would make a contribution towards to the provision of affordable housing within the district and jobs in the construction industry.

However, she ultimately supported the council’s view that the proposed development would cause “significant harm” to the character of the area, concluding “the adverse impacts of the proposed development would not be outweighed by the benefits”.

A second appeal, against East Hampshire District Council’s refusal of planning permission for seven new homes on a separate site in Fullers Road on land west of Wood End, is currently pending a decision by the Secretary of State.

To view the grounds for appeal visit the website http://planningpublicaccess.easthants.gov.uk/online-applications and search for reference 38108/008.