AN appeal has been lodged into a refusal by East Hampshire District Council planners to grant permission for an outline application by London-based Hurlock Investments Ltd to build up to six new dwellings on land to the rear of 131 Winchester Road, Four Marks.

The application had attracted 23 public comments, as well as “strong objection” from Four Marks Parish Council, on grounds that the site lies outside the settlement policy boundary for Four Marks and that there was no requirement for further housing to meet the planned housing targets for the area.

There was concern too over access onto the A31 and impact on wildlife in the Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

The application was refused by the district council last July on the grounds that the site lies outside the settlement policy boundary for Four Marks and, according to EHDC, does not meet exemption criteria.

Nor, it was felt, had the applicant demonstrated that the proposed development could be accommodated in a manner that would not cause increased danger and inconvenience to highway users. This was a view shared by Hampshire Highways.

It was, therefore, considered to be contrary to local planning policy.

The appeal is to be determined by written representation which should be sent to The Planning Planning Inspectorate, Room 3P Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting reference APP/M1710/W/17/3168191, and to arrive no later than Tuesday, April 25.