PLANS to replace a house with four new properties on the site have been rejected by just one vote.

New Forest District Council narrowly refused to support an application by AJ Developments to build a group of three-bedroom properties at Barton Common Lane in Barton on Sea.

The proposal sparked ten objections, included from from New Milton Residents’ Association.

Members said the scheme amounted to over-development and also claimed that vehicles would damage the site during construction work.

They added: "This is a particularly important area of New Milton adjacent as it is to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and, as such, the character and environmental issues must continue to be secured to retain the character of the area.”

The latest proposal was rejected by eight votes to seven.