A proposal to build three large homes on agricultural land has again been refused by planners.

Tony Jarvis has been unsuccessful in his appeal against Fenland District Council’s decision to turn down his application to build the three storey homes with attached double garages and a several metre high brick wall on land east of Hollycroft House at Front Road in Murrow.

The applicant said the development would be well served by public transport and would “maintain the vitality of the community”.

He said: “The proposed development is situated in a popular residential area of Murrow and Parson Drove which has a host of local amenities including pubs, schools, public transports and shopping. It will meet the principles of sustainable development.”

But the planning inspector concluded the development would cause “significant harm” to the village.

He said: “The scheme would not have a significant effect on the living conditions of surrounding occupiers.

“However, it would cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, and future occupiers would be largely reliant on the private car to meet many of their day-to-day needs.”

The initial application received 10 letters of objection from residents concerned it would spoil countryside views, devalue property and that the village was not suited for such a development.

It was also opposed by the parish council who said it was “not in keeping with the village scene”.