A DEVELOPER’S controversial plans to build up to six homes in the Hampshire countryside has suffered a serious setback.

Test Valley councillors unanimously threw out two separate schemes to build homes on a greenfield site close to important nature reserves at North Baddesley.

Both of Perbury Developments planning applications were for the same site off Nutburn Road – one was for five open market dwellings and the other for six homes.

However councillors took a dim view to the proposals and the borough’s North Baddesley ward member Celia Dowden led the attack on Perbury’s plans.

Pointing out that the scheme was no different to one that was rejected in July by the council.

Mrs Dowden again reiterated that the proposed was outside the North Baddesley settlement boundary.

She said: “There is no over-riding need for this. This particularly development will be very prominent if it is allowed to go ahead and a one metre hedge will not stop it being seen from Nutburn Road”, adding that borough council’s already had more than five years land supply set a side for future housing needs.

Mrs Dowden also expressed concerns about the affects the proposed development could have on nearby Emer Bog – a Site of Special Area of Conservation and Nutburn Meadows – a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation, which adjoins the site Perbury wants to build on.

She said Hampshire and Isle of Wildlife Trust was concerned about the impact it could have on Nutburn Meadows site.

Fellow North Baddesley councillor Steve Cosier also hit out at the plans. He said the environmental harm the proposals will lead to would be significant.

“The whole area sits outside the village boundary. This is speculative development that conflicts with the countryside,” added Mr Cosier.

Valley Park ward member Alan Dowden, pictured, reminded his colleagues that when the plans were turned down in July, the authority didn’t have enough housing land and it was not in a different position. “This time we have more reason to reject the plans,” said Mr Dowden.

Speaking on behalf of Perbury Jim Tarzey said that there was a significant shortage of affordable homes in the Test Valley and the proposals would help reduce that shortfall.