A PROPOSED development in East Worldham has been given the thumbs down by East Hampshire planners because it was "too cramped" for the 0.13-hectare site.
The application, for a four-house courtyard development on land at Rectory House in Wyck Lane, was similar to a four-home development granted permission in 2006 and now built.
But while councillors, at last Thursday's (November 20) meeting of East Hampshire District Council's planning north committee, accepted the principal of limited further development on the site, this was considered "a step too far".
The decision reflected fierce local opposition to the application. Speaking on behalf of about 47 objectors, local resident Keith Gordon described the proposed development as "more suited to central London than to rural Hampshire".
Residents, he said, were horrified at the proposed density of development, which would destroy the "breathtaking distant views" and have an adverse impact on drainage and on surrounding rural roads.
He suggested that had the 2006 application, resulting in four new houses on the Rectory site, been decided at committee, and not under delegated powers, they may not have been built. Officers clarified this statement by pointing out that the decision to use delegated powers had been taken because Worldham Parish Council had supported the application.
Officer Chris Murray told the meeting that the new development would be well screened and would not impact on the character of the area or the neighbouring properties. While it would change the view from the church, this too could be mitigated by the planting of trees, he said.
Worldham parish councillor Mary Trigwell said the application would represent "overdevelopment of a sensitive site" and would cause "demonstrable harm".
The applicant's agent argued that the impact on the character of the village would be negligible, and it was a legitimate "infill" site.
But councillors concluded that, while some development would be acceptable on the site, this proposal would be "too tight".