A developer's appeal against the refusal of 150 homes in Barleythorpe has been refused.

Rutland County Council refused an application from Bowbridge Land Ltd for the houses on land off Main Road, Barleythorpe, in December 2022.

In March, Bowbridge Land appealed that refusal but it has now been upheld by the Planning Inspector.

In considering the appeal, Jonathan Edwards, inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, said the main issues were the effect of the development on the area, whether it was in a suitable location and any development plan policies.

He said Rutland County Council had been able to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land and while he acknowledged that the proposal would "bring a number of benefits", Mr Edwards said the "overriding factor is the adverse effect that would be caused to the character and appearance of the site and the locality".

He said: "The benefits of the proposal are insufficient to justify granting planning permission contrary to development plan policies."

The application site (5.8 acres) is currently an agricultural field, and the scheme, had it been approved would have had single and double-story bungalows built, with up to 53 properties allocated as affordable homes.

The decision to dismiss the appeal was announced at a meeting (August 22) of Rutland County Council's planning committee.