AN appeal has been lodged by developers Style Front London Ltd against the refusal of East Hampshire planners to grant permission for the construction of five detached dwellings and associated parking, together with the widening of access road, following demolition of an existing building at Virginia, 115 Lymington Bottom, Four Marks.

East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) refused the application last October on grounds that it would lead to “an unwarranted extension of development” beyond the defined settlement policy boundary of Four Marks and would “place additional pressure on the limited range of local services in this small local service centre”.

In addition, by reason of its design, layout and scale, it was felt the proposal would result in “an incongruous and cramped form of development that would be at odds with the established low density/spacious character and primarily linear pattern of development in the locality”.

Furthermore, in the opinion of the planners, “the design would result in an urban appearance to the site, out of keeping with the rural character of the area”.

As such, it would fail to comply with local planning policy and, in particular, the policies put forward in the Medstead and Four Marks Neighbourhood Plan.

The appeal is to be determined by written representations. Anyone wishing to comment, or modify/withdraw a previous representation can do so at acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk or in writing to Jasmine Rogers,The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3P Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, stating reference number APP/M1710/W/17/3174135 and to arrive no later than September 26.