A PLAN to build scores of new homes at Picket Piece has been refused by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) planning chiefs.

The proposal by Foreman Homes Ltd would have seen 60 new properties erected on land to the north of 6 Walworth Road, with up to 23 affordable housing units.

As part of the development, the existing residential property on the site would be demolished and garden space along with two vacant fields would be redeveloped into houses.

The decision whether to give a development of this size the go-ahead would usually be voted on by councillors at a planning committee meeting.

But due to the overwhelming number of objections received during the consultation process, council officers have refused the application by delegation.

In refusing the proposal it was noted that the layout and building styles of the development would “result in a cramped form of development that would not be of a high quality in terms of design and local distinctiveness” and would not “complement the semi-rural character” of the area.

The development was also deemed not to ensure that “important landscape features would not be prejudiced”.

Planning officers, on looking at the layout of the proposals, said the roads and pathways did not appear to be well connected to existing pedestrian, cycle and public transport links and the road and access would not be “safe, attractive, functional or accessible” for all users.

TVBC also said the lack of provision for visitor parking rendered the parking provision inadequate which “would result in the parking of vehicles on the highway which would lead to highway safety implications” and a lack of cycle storage facilities would not support the use of sustainable transport.

Of the 16 reasons for refusal given by TVBC, five comprised lack of legal agreements to provide financial contributions towards highway improvement, public open space provision, a village hall, the expansion of East Anton Primary School and new affordable housing.

Concerns raised in fours letters received from members of the public highlighted perceived safety risks involved with integrating the road into the lay-by opposite the site.

Another issue raised is fears that new residents would have to cross the road near a dangerous bend in the road.

The Advertiser approached Foreman Homes for comment but at the time of going to press, a statement had not been received.