SIR Christopher Chope's plans to demolish his home and replace it with a new property have been dismissed by planning chiefs.

The scheme for Mudewell Cottage in Harrow Road near Bransgore was refused by New Forest National Park Authority's planning committee on Tuesday (15.1).

No objections had been raised by Bransgore Parish Council or residents, however a lack of information relating to potential protected species on the site scuppered the proposal.

A planning officer said it would not be possible to deliver a conditional approval of the scheme without further details.

Members of the planning committee accepted this view and rejected the development.

A statement submitted on behalf of Sir Christopher's planning application said the existing building would not meet current building regulations.