A COMMUNITY is celebrating after controversial plans for 42 homes were rejected.

The proposals for the residential site on land north of School Lane in Milford-on-Sea were dismissed by New Forest District Council’s planning committee.

Pennyfarthing Homes’ scheme was turned down due to the limited affordable housing in the proposed development. Its form was also deemed to be unsustainable.

More than 200 objections were raised against the plans, including from Milford Parish Council.

Pennyfarthing Homes’ proposals for 42 homes featured 17 detached houses, eight semi-detached houses, 11 terraced houses and six flats.

The parish council said the flats - four two-bedroom and two one bedroom - would provide the only affordable rented accommodation in the development.

Members of the planning committee sided with these concerns and refused the application.

Councillors went against the advice of a planning officer, who recommended approval of the scheme.