PLANS to build housing on the former site of a Hampshire pub have been rejected - 20 years after it was demolished following a fire.

A government-appointed planning inspector has dismissed an appeal relating to land that used to be occupied by the Flying Boat Inn at Calshot Road, Calshot.

It is the latest blow to F B Estates, which has spent years trying to gain permission to build seven homes on the site.

Its first application was refused by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) in 2019 after members heard that new housing in Forest villages was normally allowed only in Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Sway.

A similar plan was turned down in February last year, sparking an appeal.

But the planning inspector who heard the appeal has upheld the NPA's decision, despite acknowledging "notable" support for the proposed development.

The inspector's report also concedes that the site has a "somewhat unkempt appearance".

It says: "Despite its elevation above the road, the floor slab of the former building is clearly visible, as is a significant retaining wall on the roadside boundary.

"To accord with ecological advice, it is likely to remain in this condition for the foreseeable future, which detracts from the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape."

The report also says the scheme would be broadly compatible with nearby homes.

But it adds: "Development would ultimately intrude, at least in part, into views of the landscape beyond the site, to the detriment of its open rural character."

The report concludes that the scheme would be contrary to policies in the NPA's Local Plan.

It adds: The proposal is for a modest development, with notable local support, that would do no particular harm to the purposes of the national park. It would deliver additional housing, which is a benefit in itself.

"However, the proposal is clearly contrary to the Local Plan's spatial strategy.

"This is a key component of the approach to managing development across the national park and therefore I find the proposal to be contrary to the development plan, read as a whole."

The scheme was backed by the Fawley Parish Council and also sparked a 100-name petition urging the NPA to approve the application.

Cllr Alexis McEvoy, a district and county councillor for Fawley, spoke in support of the proposal.

She told the NPA's planning committee: “This development is sensitive to its surroundings. It has the support of Fawley Parish Council and will be welcomed by local residents.

“It will add much-needed vibrancy to the village. Frankly the site is an eyesore – a blot on the landscape. This is such an opportunity.”

But planning officer Steve Avery said: “This application goes against every policy we have in the local plan. It couldn’t be simpler than that.”

The Flying Boat Inn, once the officers’ mess for RAF Calshot - now Calshot Activities Centre - closed in the late 1990s and was demolished in 2001 following a fire.

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