CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 350 homes on the edge of a Hampshire village have been rejected following a three-day public inquiry.

A government-appointed planning inspector has dismissed an appeal lodged by Miller Homes, which had sought consent for a multi-million-pound development on farmland east of Downend Road in Portchester.

The original application sparked a large number of objections from locals and organisations including the Fareham Society.

It was turned down by the borough council's planning committee in April amid fears that the proposed development would endanger road users.

One of the protesters who spoke at the meeting said the potential increase in traffic was "an accident waiting to happen", adding: "You cannot put a price on safety."

Cllr Nick Walker added: "What's being proposed on paper is lovely but it reality it does not work. It's the right site in the wrong place."

Miller lodged an appeal but planning inspector Grahame Gould has upheld the council's decision, saying the scheme would result in "unacceptable harm to pedestrian safety".

He added: "I consider the adverse impacts of granting planning permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits."

A council spokesperson said the appeal was heard at a public inquiry in September.

They added: "The inspector shared the concerns of the council and many local residents in respect of proposals for the Downend Road railway bridge.

"Two proposals were put forward by the developer in respect of the bridge.

"The inspector found that one of the proposals would not make safe provision for pedestrians and cars to cross the bridge at the same time.

"He found that the other proposal would have made safe provision for pedestrians but would have caused unacceptable levels of vehicle queuing and driver delay on Downend Road."

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