CONTROVERSIAL plans to build six new homes on “underused garden land” in a residential Overton street have been refused by the council.

The authority has cited numerous reasons for refusing to grant planning permission for the project, which would have seen a mix of three and four-bed homes built the gardens of three properties in Dellands, Overton.

Questions over nitrogen emissions, the mix of dwellings outlined, a lack of respect for the character of the area and inadequate provision for parking and refuse collection were amongst the reasons for refusal.

The proposal had caused quite a stir when initially lodged with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Supporters of the scheme said it would “not just allow for a growing population, but more importantly allow people to remain in the village that they grew up in” whilst also making use of “otherwise neglected” garden space.

Objectors, on the other hand, argued that the development would result in an increase in traffic, an added strain on waste bin collection and potential noise and light pollution.

However, of the four people who backed the plans, three are related to people living in the property earmarked for development, while another is a neighbour.

And while the parish council objected, one commenter – who supported the plans – noted that the chairwoman of the authority is the mother of one of the “principal objectors” to the project.

But now the borough council has echoed the viewpoint of the parish council, citing four key factors behind its decision to deny planning permission.

The councils refusal notice read: “The proposal fails to demonstrate that the development would be nitrogen neutral and/or would provide mitigation to offset any increased nutrient discharge associated with the proposal and would therefore cause unacceptable harm to European and internationally designated habitat sites.

It also “fails to provide an appropriate mix of dwellings” and thereby does not comply with local planning policy, and nor does it “respect the character and visual amenities of the area” density, form, design, siting, layout and appearance.

The refusal notice added: “The proposed development fails to make adequate provision for the parking of vehicles or the collection of refuse both of which will have a detrimental impact upon the safety and convenience of users of the highway.”