A CONTROVERSIAL plan for 60 homes in a Hampshire village was refused and branded a waste of public money by planning chiefs.

Gladman Developments wanted to construct homes in the edge of Kings Somborne, between Eldon Road and Furzedown Road.

It was seeking outline planning permission when the scheme went before councillors at Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee at Crosfield Hall in Romsey.

But the proposal was unanimously refused, which was greeted with rounds of applause from residents.

When the previous proposal was submitted in 2015, more than 100 protestors packed into the meeting, waving “Say NO to Gladman” placards, and cheered when the committee rejected the scheme.

Since then, Gladman had resubmitted the plans, but officers had again recommended the plans for refusal.

The application includes 24 affordable houses, structural landscaping, informal public open space, children’s play areas, surface water management, vehicular access and associated ancillary works.

Reasons for refusal in 2015 included a fear that the development would introduce additional urbanising features into the landscape, extending the built area and the southern settlement edge of the village.

This, councillors said, would lead to the detriment of the prevailing landscape character and established countryside setting.

They also noted the proposed development would result in the introduction of additional housing in an area, for which there is no demonstrable overriding need.

Richard Harwood, chairman of Kings Somborne Parish Council, said they believed that the second application only contained minor alterations, and that they were highly concerned about the developer’s lack of consultation with residents.

“The discussion was more them telling us what they wanted than them asking us,” he said.

“It is not fit for purpose.”

John Corderoy, of Furzdown Cottages, Kings Somborne, described the proposal as, “a reckless act of vandalism.”

“It would destroy this awe-inspiring landscape. Increased traffic may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back in terms of safety,” he said.

“The lack of a fresh consultation is the best indication of how little they respect the parish.”

Cllr Tony Ward said: “I’m tempted to say it is a blatant waste of public money.”

Cllr Martin Hatley added: “ I don’t see much point in wasting too many words over this.

“This is literally a greenfield site outside the settlement boundary.“It is a no brainer and it should be a no go-er.”