PLANS to build next to a Grade I listed church have been rejected by a planning inspector.

Kate Fox appealed against Wiltshire Council’s refusal of her plans to build a detached two-bedroom house on land next to All Saints Church in Steeple Langford but planning inspector Doug Cramond upheld the council’s decision.

Fears were raised that the new house would obstruct views of the church and churchyard, which is in an area of outstanding natural beauty and conservation area, from Salisbury Road.

Mr Cramond said: “The appeal site presently affords a good view of the church, even if this is in the form of glimpses while passing. The vegetation may be overgrown but it provides a ‘green’ setting between the road and the church and cemetery. The proposal would lead to development lying within one metre of the church grounds and would be an uninspiring blank two-storey gable.”

He said the house would look out of place, “be jarring on the eye” and amount to over-development, and dismissed the appeal.