AN appeal has been lodged after planning chiefs rejected proposals to replace a cottage with two new houses.

New Forest District Council refused to support an application relating to Victoria Cottage at Victoria Road in Milford on Sea.

The applicants had sought consent to demolish the cottage and build new properties on the site.

Outlining its reasons for refusing the application the council said: "The proposal would represent a cramped and unsympathetic form of development which does not enhance local distinctiveness.

"The proposals would be out of character with the area by virtue of their uncharacteristically narrow plot widths and the scale of the new dwellings."

But the applicants are hoping a government-appointed planning inspector will quash the council's decision.