Civic chiefs have refused plans for a new house to be built in a rural area near Winchester.

The city council's planning committee had concerns over the location, in an area defined as a 'settlement gap' in the local plan.

The application, submitted by a Mr Senna, was for a two-storey four-bedroom house, at The Alpines, School Lane, Headbourne Worthy.

City council planning officers recommended that the plans be refused on the grounds of it being in the settlement gap.

A neighbour of the site, Gordon Hawkes, presented his objections at the planning committee on October 7.

Mr Hawkes said: “The plan would set a precedent for surrounding properties. The development can be seen from the road of my property. Many of the surrounding trees have been removed, so there will be no screen for the development. I ask you to consider my concerns. Most of the supporting comments have come from people outside the village and outside Hampshire. It would change the environment we enjoy.”

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Cllr Steve Cramoysan submitted an objection. It said: “The planning application is for a building to be built in an area that is defined in the local plan as countryside and which is a part of a settlement gap between Winchester Town and Headbourne Worthy village. The local plan defines policies for planning purposes. For this area, the policy is like for like replacement not to extend the footprint of the developed area.”

Agents for the development, Jeremy Tyrrell and Lee Scott attempted to convince the committee to support the plans. Mr Scott said: “The local plan is to make the best of the land and that is what we are doing.”

Mr Tyrrell said: “The precedent for the house builds has already been set. We have provided a high quality design which causes no harm.”

The members of the committee debated if they should support the officer's recommendation to refuse the plan.

Cllr Jane Rutter said: "I'm very happy to support the officer's recommendation. Kings Barton make it more important that we preserve the settlement gap."

Cllr Chris Edwards said: "I find it hard to accept the comment Cllr Rutter has made. It's in the settlement gap, but these houses are now in an established area of development."

The committee chairman, Cllr Therese Evans said: “It's an important strip of land as it separates settlements. The new local plan will stress the importance of local gaps. Building a house here will demolish the gap, visually and physically. An enormous amount of effort has been put into the new local plan. I strongly believe the officer's recommendation is correct.”

The committee voting in favour of refusing the application, with eight for and one abstention.