AN outline bid to build a rural workers’ two-bedroom bungalow in a Wyeside AONB village has been rejected by planners.

The application targeted agricultural land at the back of Kingslea and Newhaven in King’s Caple, just over 200 yards from the Grade I-listed St John’s Church and Grade II-listed King’s Caple Court, and just 75 yards from the protected Norman Castle Tump.

Herefordshire Council planners said it would encroach into the undeveloped countryside setting of the listed buildings, while there were also questions over drainage, ecology and over development in the countryside.

A report on behalf of landowner Dave Colburn of Ross-on-Wye said: "It is not considered that the proposal will have an undue impact upon the amenity of neighbouring residents, with no concerns for overlooking and overshadowing, given the orientation of neighbouring propertiesâ¦

"In landscape terms the site is very well contained and would not harm the integrity of the AONB."

But Kings Caple Parish Council and several neighbours raised objections, including that the site was outside the village’s Neighbourhood Development Plan zone and unsuitable access.

John and Sue Stannard told planners the site was served by a "rough narrow track" right next to their fence, and was "totally unsuitable" for the heavy traffic and installation of utilities needed to build a property.

Jean and Neville Ovens, who also live next door, said the application was "misleading" as his "real intention is to construct⦠a family bungalow with garden for his family."

They told planners: "He has showed a total lack of courtesy, by failing to have any conversation (consultation) with us whatsoever before the application was made."

They said the scheme should be rejected because the land is designated for agricultural use within the AONB, and outside the settlement area.

Philip Brandram-Jones also said a public footpath went through the site, but the outline plan failed to mention the fact.