Villagers have won their fight to have four family homes erected in a historic hamlet near Grantham.

Lincoln-based Roger Leighton Homes sought to demolish a 1970s house in Oasby and replace it with four houses.

However, South Kesteven District Council has refused the planning application after opposition from residents and the parish council, saying it conflicts with local and national planning policies.

The application concerned Cottage Farm on Main Street, a 4449m2 site.

It said: "The existing dwelling is not of heritage value or architectural merit and the site is disproportionately sized for 1 dwelling and offers the potential to create family dwellings."

The three-bed home would be replaced with four four-bed homes.

The application added: "As such the scheme proposals will look to enhance the character and setting of the Conservation area and look to offer betterment to that which the scheme replaces."

However, Heydour Parish Council said: "The proposed site is highly visible being in the centre of this non-sustainable hamlet and in the conservation area. The four houses are very large and high."

"This mini housing estate is totally inappropriate in our conservation hamlet of Oasby."

South Kesteven District Council's historic buildings advisor also commented: "The proposed redevelopment scheme is, in my opinion, excessive and will have an unwelcome overbearing impact on the street scene and detract from the character and appearance of this part of the village Conservation Area."

Council consultation led to 28 letters of representation being received, 23 against and 5 in favour.

Opponents gave reasons including the site being in the centre of the village and the scheme not being in keeping with the village, harming its character, its materials being unsuitable for a village location and the scheme being a cramped form of development.

But supporters noted the existing 1970s house had no architectural merit, four new homes would 'breath new life into stagnating village,' and the appearance of village would be improved.

Assessing the planning application, SKDC planning staff said plots 1-3 could be considered 'infill' development but plot 4 would extend the pattern of development in the village.

Their comments continued: "It is also considered, that as a whole the development is not in keeping with character of the Conservation area and is not sensitive to the setting of adjacent properties including several Grade II Listed Buildings.

"It is considered that the proposal is not acceptable as a result of its adverse impact upon highway safety, neighbours amenities and the setting of the adjacent listed building(s), Conservation Area and the character and appearance of the area."

Therefore, the scheme did not meet local and national planning policies.

The council added: "There is a fundamental objection to the proposal and it is considered that this cannot be overcome. "