THE trustees of Arundells have been denied the right to host outside events by council planners over fears that it would destroy the "tranquility" of the Cathedral Close.

Currently the former home of Sir Edward Heath is allowed to host 24 indoor events but the Friends of Arundells wanted to host a further 24 events in the grounds of the house.

Residents feared loud music and traffic problems if the plans to host events went ahead with the Dean of Salisbury Cathedral June Osborne amongst those who objected.

Ron Johnston, whose flat overlooks Arundells, said:“Non-amplified music is still very loud when it is under your window.

"That is not just an assertion because the Rifles next door occasionally has evening events with music and that infiltrates our flat even with all the double glazed windows shut.”

Gordon MacDougall, a trustee of the Edward Heath charitable foundation, argued that most of the events would be small in nature and measures would be put in place to prevent disruption.

He said: "We often have many requests to use our unique location but we lose many when we say they cannot venture past the door and into the garden.

“The use of the garden for a limited number of events would provide an important source of additional funding for Arundells. We are entirely self-sustaining without outside funding."

It had been recommended for approval by officers but councillors feared 48 events was too many especially after the house was only granted approval for 24 indoor events in November 2013.

Cllr Ian Tomes said: "The close is a very special environment - unique and deserving of protection.

"I suspect that Ted Heath would not have bought a house here if it was not for the peace and tranquility that the close offers especially in the evening.

“His legacy could well to be change all of that if this is approved.”

The proposal was rejected by the Southern Area Planning Committee by seven votes to one.

Cllr Fred Westmoreland added: "I don’t like nimbys but I don’t think that this is nimby at all. I think that this is a totally unreasonable imposition on the Close and the amenity of the residents should be protected.

“I would be totally happy to see the 24 events indoors being allowed to use the gardens as well but I will not vote for doubling the number of events.”