A PLANNING battle in a Hampshire village has ended in defeat for the applicant.

An appeal was lodged after the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) rejected an application to turn a building at South Sway Farm, Sway, into two holiday apartments.

But government-appointed planning inspector Martin Allen has upheld the NPA's decision.

Citing one of his reasons for dismissing the appeal Mr Allen said the nearest bus stops were along a main road.

He added: "Accessing these would necessitate a walk along a rural road, with no footway facilities, no street lighting and little opportunity for pedestrians to take refuge from passing traffic.

"As such, it would be unattractive for persons to walk along this road, particularly in inclement weather or when carrying luggage."