DEVELOPERS behind a controversial housing plan that was thrown out by Winchester councillors have lost their appeal.

The proposal, for Boyne Rise in Kings Worthy, would have seen a house demolished and replaced with four new homes, but was rejected following a site visit by the planning committee in February.

An appeal was lodged in March, but has now been refused by planning inspector Benjamin Webb.

Mr Webb said: “The proposed development would have a significant adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area.”

He added: “The substantial increase in vehicular use of the access and driveway immediately opposite the frontage of No 6, would, in my opinion, give rise to a degree of noise and disturbance whose effect on the occupants would be appreciably adverse in nature.

“This would be exacerbated by the additional effects of increased proximity and exposure arising from turning and extension of the driveway along the side boundary, and noise caused by manoeuvring of vehicles within the site.”

Originally, the scheme would have seen five new homes built, with the revised plan being recommended for approval despite drawing more than 30 objections.

However, councillors ignored the recommendation and voted to reject the application as it represented an overdevelopment.

Boyne Rise resident Terry Foley told councillors: “I cannot see that there is space for any service vehicle to even access the site safely, let alone turn and leave.”