URCHFONT farmer John Snook has spoken of his disappointment and disillusionment after developer Charles Church withdrew from a scheme to redevelop a sensitive site near the famous village duck pond.

The company has not given details of why it pulled out of the Manor Farm Yard plan. Mr Snook was only prepared to say that it was as a result of contractual disagreements, but it is thought that Kennet District Council's insistence that nine of the proposed 22 homes were affordable was a stumbling block.

Mr Snook said he was disillusioned with the whole planning process but he and his family had no immediate plans as to what to do next.

Most villagers agreed the dilapidated farmyard needed redeveloping, but many were concerned that an unsympathetic development would have blighted the village.

David Harrison, who lives opposite, was opposed to the plan. He said he was delighted but also apprehensive at the news. "I can only hope that the next time round people in the village will be allowed to have more influence over the plans," he said.

The application for 22 homes, nine of which were affordable, was refused by Kennet councillors after a site meeting. Charles Church had appealed against the decision and a public inquiry was due to be held at Urchfont village hall on August 10 and 11.