A CONTROVERSIAL development in Moreton-in-Marsh has been refused amid fears it could pave the way for more building.

Local residents sent a 33-signature petition and 21 letters of objection to Cotswold District Council's planning department criticising the scheme to build a house on a mock-Georgian estate in Fosseway Avenue.

The plan was to build the two-bedroom house on the terrace in the design of the existing houses with a parking space at the back.

On Wednesday members of CDC's planning committee rejected the plan despite support from planning officers.

Moreton's district councillor Rod Hooper said: "It would be setting a precedent to allow this and it would completely change this part of Fosseway Avenue."

However planning officer Martin Perks said: "With regard to setting a precedent for the development of other plots within the estate it must be noted that each application must be judged on its own merits."

The committee feared that the development would block precious open space on the estate.

Mr Perks said: "The open area of court yard will remain so the open character of the estate will be retained in that respect."

However Fosseway Avenue resident Amanda Taylor said: "The small open grass area to be developed is perhaps the most prominent area of grassland right in the heart of the estate.

"If the proposal went ahead our local area would be irrevocably damaged."

A representative for the developer Batterton Tyack told the committee: "Throughout Fosseway Avenue a large proportion of properties have been extended which, it could be argued, has already begun to change the character of the estate.

"I believe the attractive gable end could actually enhance the estate."

Cllr Rickman proposed the application be refused.

She said: "I do not understand this mentality to fill up every bit of open space."