A SECOND plan for a new house on the site of an empty garage repair business in Easterton, near Devizes, has again been rejected by Kennet District Council despite overwhelming village support.

There were no objections to the planning application by Ann Tovey for the Kings Road site, but the plan was thrown out by Kennet District Council's regulatory committee on the chairman's casting vote.

Easterton residents Tom Barklem and Richard Armstrong spoke in favour of Mrs Tovey's planning application but the councillors were advised that a house should not be allowed because it contravenes the council's policy on housing in the countryside.

The site has been derelict for more than two years and Mrs Tovey, a co-owner, said she had been unable to find a buyer wanting to base a business there.

Mr Barklem said: "It is an eyesore in a very pleasant residential area. I fear if permission is not granted and nothing is done, the site will be vandalised."

Coun Dominic Campbell said: "It's a horrible, horrible place and it needs sorting out. It's surrounded by bungalows and it would be an ideal site for a bungalow."

Coun Lionel Grundy said: "The officers are following policy but we need common sense here. The site is a blot on the landscape."

Senior planning officer Mike Wilmott said a house could only be allowed on the site if it was for an agricultural worker or holiday accommodation.