Plans to build half a dozen homes in an historic village near Horndean have been put on hold amid concerns the application is being rushed through.

Petersfield firm 6A Vision wants to build six homes on an overgrown 0.48 hectare field in Catherington opposite Kingscourt School and the junction with Five Heads Road.

But although the “high quality” scheme was set for approval, EHDC’s Sara Schillemore persuaded her fellow planning committee members to book a site visit, as she believes the development isn’t right for the plot.

Committee members who met on Wednesday were told the proposed development of two detached houses and four semis around a courtyard parking area would have “limited” impact on the character of the area.

The houses earmarked for land north of 233 Catherington Lane will have flint stone detailing and dark timber boarding to give a barn-like appearance.

Although the site lies outside the village’s Settlement Policy Boundary officers recommended approval given the shortfall of housing in the area.

Members heard the applicants had reduced the number of homes from eight to six after discussions with neighbours and the Catherington Village Residents Association.

Cllr Schillemore called for a site visit, telling councillors the application had come before the committee “in haste” with members agreeing to her request.

She said: “Whilst Catherington village residents are broadly in support of development on this site, this is not the development they envisaged.

“It is not the right design for the plot with public parking to the front.”