PLANNERS have refused a proposal for new homes in Colden Common.

The site at land in Lower Moors Road for 45 dwellings and associated works was turned down by planning officials at the end of last year.

It comes just a few weeks after council officers rejected Bargate Homes’ other application for 31 properties in Main Road, at land opposite King Charles Cottage.

The village needed an extra 250 houses, built over 20 years, as part of Winchester City Council’s Local Plan.

Following on from residents’ feedback three sites were chosen as the preferred sites for redevelopment. Land between Stratton’s Copse and Colden Common Farm and another adjacent site, both off Main Road, and land off Spring Lane were also chosen.

Spokesperson for Commonview – the village’s independent engagement group – Debbie Harding said: “This was a premature application because it’s outside the village’s settlement boundary.

“It wouldn’t have helped to fill the housing target because that process is still ongoing.

“Local Plan Part One set the target which the inspector saw and accepted for the village’s housing.

“Anybody and everybody can submit an application but, until that process goes right the way through, any application will be premature.”

Managing director of Bargate Homes, Angus Cook, said the firm had not yet made a decision about the outcome.