OUTLINE planning permission for a controversial housing development has been refused.

North Herts District Council has refused to give the green light to Mike Manabar Ltd for 28 homes and associated parking to be built on Icknield Way in Baldock, following the demolition of existing commercial blocks.

The Baldock Society had objected to the scheme for reasons which included the loss of designated employment land, that the number of dwellings proposed was too great, and that the additional traffic would cause significant congestion.

Neighbour also complained that traffic congestion could be a problem.

The council’s officers recommended planning permission was refused because “the application does not demonstrate that the amount of development proposed can be accommodated within the site satisfactorily to achieve a high quality development that would function well and add to the overall quality of the area for the lifetime of the development”.

The council’s planning control committee refused planning permission at a meeting on Thursday.

Historically, two planning applications for the site – one for 40 homes and one for 70 homes – have also been refused by the council.

A further two applications – one for 30 homes and one for 70 homes - were withdrawn.