An inspector has thrown out an appeal to replace a farm building with eight houses amid questions about current work at the rural site near Compton.

Runnymede Homes turned to the planning inspectorate after their bid to replace a barn-like building at Waverley Court Farm with eight dwellings was rejected by Waverley Borough Council.

The firm was previously granted permission by WBC to make alterations to the building to provide five homes, but there’s some been “some dispute” over whether this development has begun.

Waverley doesn’t have a five-year housing land supply at present with the applicants stressing the need to meet demand.

But Inspector H Miles sided with the council in agreeing that the proposals for the Monks Walk site would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area.

The report stated: “The comprehensive urban appearance to this large area would change the character of the site.”