COUNCILLORS have thwarted a third attempt by developer Searchfield Homes to access a new four-bedroom home in the garden of Grade II listed Heron Court in The Bourne from Aveley Lane.

The developer was granted planning permission by Waverley Borough Council to build a solitary four-bedroom house to the rear of the 17th century former hop store sharing Heron Court’s existing access in Ford Lane last November.

However, Searchfield Homes has repeatedly sought approval to access the new home from Aveley Lane and following an unsuccessful appeal late last year, submitted a fresh application to Waverley this April.

This was dismissed by Waverley’s western planning committee on June 8, against the recommendation of council planning officers, with councillors standing by their reasons for dismissing the earlier application.

The council’s decision notice states: “The proposal…would cause material harm to the natural, semi rural, sylvan character of the area and would have a detrimental impact on the street scene.”

Searchfield Homes has already commenced building works on the site, including the approved improvements and extensions to Heron Court, but must close the proposed access in Aveley Lane and restore the hedgerow before the new house can be occupied.

• Councillors also approved plans for the erection of a roof extension at the former Atkins offices in The Barbican, East Street, to provide two new homes at the June 8 western planning committee meeting, as well as plans for a new house on land at Rosemead Cottage in River Lane, Wrecclesham.