A SCHEME to convert a former pub into a private house has been thrown out.

Test Valley councillors backed planning officers and refused brewery giant Fuller’s permission to transform the Neport Inn in Newport Lane, Braishfield, into a home along with plans to build two properties within the curtilage of the pub.

It closed in 2013 after the passing of landlady Janet Cook.

Parish chiefs at Braishfield supported the plans which also had the backing of a large number of residents in the village.

There was no comment on the plans from councillors when they debated them this week.

However, all but two members voted to reject the scheme.

Planning officers recommended that the plans were turned down because they had concerns about the lack of information about proposed measures that were needed to protect wildlife at the site off Newport Lane.

The proposals also went against the borough’s countryside policies. Bats are also known to live on the site.