PLANNERS have once again hit for six plans for the historic Old Forge at East Meon which borders the village’s cricket club.

Applicants Ian and Jamie Croucher have been left disappointed after the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA)?refused permission for their revised application last week.

It was felt that the proposal to provide living accommodation on a new first floor and a decked area to the rear would increase the built-up appearance of the site and adversely affect the character of the East Meon Conservation Area.

It would also impact on the nearby grade 2 listed building, Forge Cottage.

The risk of harm or injury from cricket balls to those using the Old Forge would also be increased, with the border of the building just 36 metres away from the cricket square.

SDNPA director of planning Tim Slaney said: “This would also increase the risk of claims of nuisance against the users of the adjoining cricket pitch which may adversely affect the playing of cricket and prejudice or disadvantage the enjoyment of recreation.”

Expert opinion was sought on protective ball-stop fencing needed on the cricket pitch boundary.

Findings by Labosport concluded that this needed to be as high as the two-storey development, with some balls still likely to fly over.

The applicants amended their plans to include protective metal shutters on windows of the Old Forge.

It has been a long innings of almost two years for this controversial issue, with feelings running high in the village about the 19th century building which houses a single storey Victorian workshop building.

Originally a smithy, then a general wrought iron workshop until 2010, it was acquired by the Crouchers, for use by son Jamie as a carpentry and joinery workshop.

It is currently not in use, and in a state of disrepair, according to the SDNPA’s Buildings at Risk survey, with its future needing to be secured.

It is on the Hampshire County Council’s list of ‘county treasures’.

The Croucher’s application was previously approved in 2014 by East Hampshire District Council.

An appeal was put in to the High Court by East Meon Forge and Cricket Ground Protection Association, with the approval quashed.

The applicants then put in amended plans last year.