PLANS to transform an “eyesore” site that has stood empty for 15 years have been thrown out.

A government-appointed planning inspector has dismissed an appeal lodged after civic chiefs rejected plans to build 24 homes on land opposite the Chevron Business Park in Lime Kiln Lane, Holbury.

Michael Boniface said the scheme was “clearly at odds” with planning policies that aim to preserve employment sites in the district.

He also criticised the design of the proposed development, saying the access road included a sharp bend that would force fire engines and other vehicles to reverse if they met oncoming traffic.

The original application was turned down by New Forest District Council last year – despite complaints the former horse field had become a rubbish dump.

A report to the planning committee said the application, if approved, would damage the economic wellbeing of the area.

It also criticised what it described as an “unduly harsh and intensive development” that included small gardens and areas dominated by cars.

The housing scheme was supported by former parish councillor Eddie Holtham, who took part in a public participation period at the start of the debate.

He told the committee: “The land has been vacant for many years. It’s an eyesore and a rubbish dump.”

But objectors included Hampshire County Council, which said a “tortuous S-bend” at the entrance to the proposed development would make it difficult for fire engines to enter the site.

Now Mr Boniface has dismissed an appeal lodged by the applicants, London and Regional Developments (Dollis Hill) Ltd.

He said: “Although the site is accepted to have been vacant for many years I note that there have been planning applications for employment uses. This suggests a degree of commercial interest.”

Criticising the layout and design of the scheme Mr Boniface said the buildings would create a cluttered, oppressive and over-intensive form of development.

He also said the proposal included a sharp bend which meant that vehicles, including those used by the emergency services, would have to mount the pavement or reverse back out into Lime Kiln Lane if they encountered oncoming traffic.

Mr Boniface added that people living in the new homes would have to endure noise from a nearby builders’ yard and a car repair business.