Plans to build three homes on land next to a rural pub have been dismissed on appeal.
The planning application to build the three properties on land next The George & Dragon Country Pub & Hotel in Wolverton Townsend was first submitted by Mr and Mrs Shore in June 2023.
The plans were unpopular with local residents and garnered 66 letters of objection.
Plans to build three homes on land next to The George & Dragon Country Pub & Hotel in Wolverton Townsend dismissed on appeal
Objectors took issue with the homes’ potential to create an unwanted suburban feel in the hamlet, the loss of a green space in the area and possible traffic issues brought on by a new access point built for the properties.
Basingstoke and Deane planners refused the plans in August 2023 on several grounds.
These included that the proposed development “would represent an incongruous and suburban form of development that does not correspond with the rural character of the area”, the loss of open space would harm the “historical significance” of the George and Dragon Hotel and the houses “would be positioned in close proximity to a number of trees which are considered to be important features in the local landscape”.
Plans to build three homes on land next to The George & Dragon Country Pub & Hotel in Wolverton Townsend dismissed on appeal
The applicants appealed the refusal in January 2024, stating: “The proposed site at Wolverton Townsend is considered to be the most logical location within the village for new housing, causing the least impact on the setting, character and appearance of the AONB.”
However, this appeal was dismissed on January 8 with the planning inspector stating: “I have no compelling evidence to demonstrate that the proposal would provide a specific and clearly identified unmet need for housing in the countryside in terms of number, size, type and tenure.”