PLANS for an eco home in the New Forest have been turned down on appeal.

Ian and Dawn Lemon unveiled proposals to build behind a listed building in Church Street, Fordingbridge, in 2011.

Their plan for a modern threestorey home in the grounds of the Old Manor House, sparked a 55-name petition, and objectors branded the scheme a “disaster”

that would destroy a valuable green space. It was rejected by New Forest Council.

Now planning inspector Jennifer Armstrong has also rejected the plan, saying the 9mhigh and 7m-wide circular home would be “intrusive” and “inappropriate”

for the area.

The plans “indicate an interesting and innovative design with the potential to achieve high levels of energy efficiency,” but the building would be “harmful to the wider character and appearance of the conservation area”.

The building would have “a most overbearing impact” she said.