The scheme for the house at land west of Church Farm, Pump Lane, Garton on the Wolds, was refused planning permission by the authority’s eastern area planning sub-committee on Monday.

Planning officers had earlier recommended that the application, submitted by Alison Botten, should be deferred to allow for a formal legal agreement to be drawn up to incorporate her existing property in the adjacent Church Farm.

The scheme allowed for a single-storey, earth- sheltered property to be set into a slope on the land.

But councillors voted to turn the plans down, citing concerns over the adverse visual impact of the development on the church.

They also felt the scheme was not in the spirit of planning policy guidelines.

The proposals have attracted fierce opposition from local people.

Parish councillors voiced strong objections, saying: “We feel we are the custodians of the parish and the church is not just a religious building, it is the jewel of Garton.”

And a petition of more than 100 addresses, mostly in the village, was also received on the scheme, as well as three letters of objection on behalf of the Rector of St Michael’s and the Parochial Church Council.

But planning and design and access statements submitted on Miss Botten’s behalf argued the proposals had taken into account the effect on the character of the area and the setting of the church, that they were supported by conservation officers and would enhance the area.

Five letters were also received in support of the scheme, arguing that the plans would not impact harmfully on the church and would benefit the village.

They also claimed the only comments on the plans at the parish council meeting had been supportive of them.