A developer's bid to build homes on the site of a demolished cottage on green belt land has been branded "unacceptable".

Havering Council refused consent for plans build five four-bed homes on the site of demolished Honey Bee Cottage in Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, last Friday (December 22).

The local authority called applicant Peter Seales' plans an "inappropriate development" in its reasons for refusal and stated they would represent "an unwelcome urbanisation of the site."

"The proposed backland redevelopment of this site would have a demonstrable impact on the open character of the green belt," the council stated.

"In the absence of any very special circumstances which would outweight the harm of inappropriateness and harm to openness, the proposed development is unacceptable in principle."

The council went on to criticise the plans, reference number P1309.23, for being materially harmful to the character and amenity of the surrounding area.

But they could still go ahead if there is a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

If granted planning permission on appeal, the proposal would be liable for the Mayor of London (MCIL) and Havering Community Infrastructure Levy (HCIL).

The MCIL payable would be £17,855 and the HCIL would be a charge of £89,3750.

Agent Barker Woodrow, in a design and access statement, previously acknowledged the proposal would increase the impact on the land, but said it would create a "charming" selection of properties.

The site lies on the side lane connecting to Broxhill Road.

"The proposed scheme would follow the pattern of other developments along Broxhill Road and would therefore, in spatial terms, have a less harmful impact on the openness of the green belt," the agent said.

All properties would also have two private driveway car parking spaces and one garage space each under the plans.

The proposed development also requires the removal of six trees, four groups of trees and sections of two further groups, according to a planning statement.

"Due to their imposing size and shading impact [they] are unsuitable for modern residential sites," it was added.

But the council found the submitted arboricultural report, pertaining to the preserved oak trees and hawthorn plant, insufficient.