A CONTROVERSIAL bid to build 150 new homes near a Hampshire beauty spot have been thrown out.

Builder Bargate Homes has appealed to a government inspector after its proposal for the development near Titchfield Nature reserve was rejected by council planners.

Now the inspector has turned down the appeal over the homes on land west of Old Street in Hill Head.

The decision has been welcomed by Fareham council leader Seán Woodward.

He said: “I am delighted, as it was a real concern.

“It is fantastic news that the inspector agreed with us.

“Residents can be reassured that Fareham Borough Council will fight for valuable land, and that is what we did in this case.”

Residents also raised concerns over the homes plan.

In a letter, one wrote: “It would be a huge shame to lose such an amazing space rich in wildlife and nature.”

The decision comes after a public inquiry last month.

Planning inspector Christina Downes said: “Notwithstanding the substantial benefits that would flow from the proposed development, there would also be very substantial harm.

“The harm to the countryside within the valued landscape of the Lower Meon Valley outweighed the advantages of the scheme.”

The appeal was dismissed due to: the importance of protecting the Meon Valley landscape; to protect existing views of the rural landscape for users of the national nature reserve; and to avoid unacceptable harm to the attractive landscape of the Lower Meon Valley.

The appeal was also dismissed as the overall effect of the proposed development on the Lower Meon Valley landscape would have been significant and harmful.

Cllr Steve Dugan, who represents the Hill Head ward, said: “I’m absolutely pleased about the result of the appeal because of the importance of the countryside and the proximity to Titchfield Nature Reserve.

“This shows that if an area is designated in a particular way authorities will do there best to protect it where they can.”

The Daily Echo contacted Bargate Homes but it did not want to comment.