A planning application that attracted 128 letters of objection has failed again at appeal.

Developers wanted to turn the old Cottage Hospital site in Weston Green Road, Thames Ditton, into a two-storey detached house, with a terrace of four two-storey houses, and another row of four two-storey houses at the back.

In the past the site was used to provide residential accommodation for those with learning difficulties, as well as a drop-in centre to provide therapy for people with learning difficulties.

The site has been vacant since 2009, when Kingston NHS Trust disposed of the land.

The plans generated huge opposition locally, with residents voicing concerns about overdevelopment, traffic, pollution and loss of gardens.

They also felt no credence had been given to the history of the site or the unique character of the area.

But developers were not deterred and submitted an appeal after councillors turned down the application in April.

On Tuesday, September 14, planning inspector Christine Thorby gave her reasons for dismissing the appeal.

She said: “I have taken into account the contribution that the proposal would make to the provision of housing in an accessible location and to the Government’s agenda for planning for growth, acknowledging that new development can contribute positively to the economy.

“However, this would not outweigh the significant harm to the character of the area and the appearance of the area and to the living conditions of the neighbours arising from the proposal.”

Councillor Ruth Lyon said the community was not against development, but that developers had got greedy with their ambitious plans.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the decision. It conformed with the residents’ association’s principles against this sort of development.

“It must respect the character of the area and the views of the neighbours.”