PLANS for 15 affordable homes in Hopwood have been refused again after being referred to the government on appeal.

Last February, Bromsgrove District Council turned down a planning application for 15 affordable homes on Ash Lane.

The plans were refused as it was considered ‘unsustainable’, ‘inappropriate development’ in the green belt and was contrary to the Alvechurch Neighbourhood Plan.

Proposals included five, two-bedroom bungalows, of which three were retirement bungalows for the over 55's, six two-bedroom homes and four three-bedroom family homes.

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However, applicant NextPhase Development unhappy with the council’s decision lodged an appeal and it was referred to the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

Following a hearing on September 20, a decision was published earlier this month, dismissing the appeal and upholding the council’s decision.

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In the Inspectorate’s report, it states: “The proposal does not constitute limited infilling in a village.

“As it does not meet any of the other exceptions outlined in green belt policies, I, therefore, conclude that the proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the green belt, which is harmful by definition.

“I consider the proposal would encroach into the green belt, thereby threatening one of the purposes of green belt land.

“I note that the appellant considers the impact on openness to be less significant than the harm derived from being inappropriate development. However, I do not share this view.”

But the Inspectorate decided the development would not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety, particularly pedestrians, and access to services, employment and facilities complied with framework policies.

It was concluded that the harm to the green belt will not be outweighed by any special circumstances and the appeal was dismissed.

A planning application for the same site, which was submitted in 2017, to build three homes was also refused by Bromsgrove District Council and then by the Planning Inspectorate.