A PLAN to build a 42-bed ‘extra care’ home in Grayshott, which triggered more than 130 objections, has been refused on appeal.

Dr and Mrs Andrew Dyson appealed against East Hampshire District Council’s decision to refuse the application for a site at Ludshott End, Headley Road, in June 2016.

But planning inspector David Cliff dismissed the scheme on the grounds it would cause “significant harm” to the gap between Headley Down and Grayshott.

Mr Cliff noted: “Given the substantial footprint and size of the proposed building, it would undermine the physical separation between the settlements.

“The access and parking areas would add to the overall urban form of the proposal and, together with the large building would significantly erode the site’s open and rural character.

“While the building would be located towards the rear of the site, I am in no doubt that it would significantly compromise the integrity of the gap.”

In response to the Dysons’ claim there was significant demand for the proposed extra care facility, Mr Cliff said they had not “robustly demonstrated” the need could be provided for within the built-up area.

He concluded the benefit of providing an extra care home was outweighed both by the inconvenient location “away from local services and facilities”, and its “harmful” impact on the character and appearance of the area.