A PROPOSAL for outline permission to construct two self-build dwellings in Glewstone, a scheme that was indicated for rejection by Herefordshire Council, has now been refused by a planning inspector.

Herefordshire Council did not issue a formal decision on building on land adjacent Whitfield Court, Glewstone within the statutory timescale.

And at the appeal the planning inspector found the site, a field in open countryside, was unsuitable for housing as it was not within or adjacent to a recognised settlement.

The inspector also observed that the proposed development was found to negatively impact the setting of two Grade II listed buildings, diminishing their historical significance.

The site is a parcel of agricultural land between Whitfield Court and Little Whitfield Farm.

Whitfield Court is a group of residential properties formed from a previous conversion of agricultural buildings and a farmhouse. Little Whitfield Farm is still a working farm.

The inspector noted that although there are residential properties around the site, the existing properties are effectively a small group in the open countryside and is not within or adjacent to Glewstone as these dwellings are separated by intervening fields.

Inspector K Townend said: “The proposed site currently contributes positively to the setting in that it forms the field immediately to the side of the farmyard, it provides a buffer between Whitfield Court and Little Whitfield Farm and is part of the setting in which these two listed buildings are appreciated.

“The proposal would introduce built development onto a parcel of land where there is currently no development. The construction of two dwellings on this site would notably erode the undeveloped green space around the listed buildings, the undeveloped nature of the field and the gap it currently provides to separate Whitfield and the Barn from Little Whitfield Farm.

“Therefore, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed.”