EAST Hampshire District Council’s planning committee will discuss an application at a site on land north east of Edgewood Court, Hill Brow Road, Liss, tomorrow (Thursday).

The application is for a detached single-storey house with associated vehicular and pedestrian access, landscaping and servicing at the site.

The planning committee meeting will be held at the Council Chamber, Penns Place, Petersfield, at 6pm.

Liss Parish Council strongly objected to the application in order to uphold the H9 policy which attaches special importance to the site and on the grounds that this would constitute a new dwelling in the countryside.

Liss Parish Council chairman Keith Budden said: “We’re strongly opposed to it.

“If they give permission we want sufficient shielding around the site, such as a hedgerow, so the view outside the site holds.”

However, the planning officer’s recommendation is to grant permission.

The planning officer concluded that: “Policy H9 criterion (e) states a blanket restriction on new infill developments within Areas of Special Housing Character.

“However, a judgement needs to be made as to whether or not there are any other material considerations that weigh in favour of the proposed development.

“In this instance, the dwelling would be of a high quality sympathetic design of a low profile nature, which would be in keeping with the surrounding pattern of development.

“As such, it is not considered to compromise or diminish the special character of the area and thus is considered to be in accordance with the principal objectives of this policy.

“The development would result in the creation of a single dwelling within a Settlement Policy Boundary, a sustainable location which is supported by the Development Plan and National Planning Policy Framework and no harm has been identified to outweigh the benefits.

“Also, the proposal would preserve the landscape character of the national park and would accord with national park purposes.

“It would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenities enjoyed by the occupants of the neighbouring and surrounding properties.

“No concerns have also been raised with regards to highway safety, impact on trees or flood risk.

“This application therefore complies with the relevant policies.”