New Forest District Council turns down plans for stable conversion at Threeways Cottage, Rockbourne

PLANS to turn a stable block into a two-bedroom home have been thrown out by planners.

Mr and Mrs Branagan applied to New Forest District Council to convert the building at Threeways Cottage, Rockbourne, into ancillary accommodation also comprising a kitchen, dining room and living room, and en-suite bathroom.

Rockbourne Parish Council supported the plans but there were also two letters of objection, with concerns over additional noise and traffic, loss of privacy, and the impact on ecology.

It was recommended for refusal by NFDC planners, who said in a report to the planning committee: “[The development] would result in an intrusive and unacceptable form of residential development in the countryside, where development is restricted unless specific criteria are met.”

Members agreed and voted to refuse the application by 10 votes to one, with one abstention.