Objectors have won their battle to block a new housing site on a former Ministry of Defence base in Hatton.

Altus Homes and Morro Partnerships have been refused planning permission for the 28 homes off Oakdene Crescent with planners at Warwick District Council (WDC) saying the plans were inappropriate in the green belt.

Originally the application had been for 34 homes, but the scheme was reduced as a flurry of objections came in.

This was not enough to sway council officers though as they refused to grant planning permission last week.

"When considering the scheme as a whole, the development is considered to represent ‘inappropriate development’ within the green belt and the proposal is considered to introduce harm by definition and harm to the openness by reason of the use, scale, layout and location," a WDC report said.

"This harm is afforded substantial weight within the planning balance."

The report continued: "When considering the benefits of the scheme officers do not consider that these would amount to ‘very special circumstances’."

Some 168 letters of objection were sent to the council, criticising the location, access and the lack of need for the affordable homes.

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Both Hatton Parish Council and Shrewley Parish Council objected, as did a number of local councillors.

The outline plans for the homes off Oakdene Crescent (image via planning application)

"The proposal will be well suited to its location in an area of predominantly residential character, extending the existing village with minimal impact to neighbouring properties," the application to WDC had said. 

"The development has been carefully designed to respect and enhance its context, utilising a simple built form with traditional character, all designed in a way which reflects and continues the existing pattern of development and enlivens the streetscape through a rich mix of traditional details. 

"Furthermore, the layout has been designed to provide a graduated reduction in density across the site with larger plots and a more open and organic green edge addressing the open space to the east."

See the full application here.