AN appeal has been lodged after civic chiefs rejected plans to build five detached houses on green belt land in a Hampshire village.

New Forest District Council refused to support an outline application relating to land east of Lymore Lane at Milford on Sea.

Outlining its reasons the council said: "Lymore Lane is a narrow tree lined lane with sporadic buildings, fields and paddocks on either side which contribute to its strong rural context.

"It is considered that the generally open nature of the site positively contributes to this rural setting and distinctiveness of Lymore Lane.

"The proposed development would unacceptably intensify and consolidate built form at this point and would result in the loss of an important gap along Lymore Lane, that would be out of context with and harmful to the rural character of the area.

"The proposal therefore, would seriously harm the sensitive character and appearance of the countryside setting."