PLANS to bulldoze an ugly "hotchpotch'' of buildings in the New Forest have been thrown out for the third time in two years.

The district council has rejected the latest application to flatten the former Hordle House School, Milford on Sea, and use the clifftop site for housing.

Pennyfarthing Homes Ltd had sought permission to build 25 homes on the land, part of the strategic gap between Milford and Barton on Sea.

An earlier application to replace the school with 23 houses was rejected in 2002, and a proposal to construct 16 properties was turned down last year.

The new scheme was thrown out at a meeting of the council's planning and development control committee, even through several councillors spoke in favour of the application.

Council leader Mel Kendal said: "The site currently comprises a hotch-potch of buildings that actually spoil the green belt.''

The committee also heard from members of Milford Parish Council, who said the unattractive and derelict classrooms were ruining a "truly exceptional and perhaps unique'' coastal site. New Milton councillor Alan Rice claimed that the buildings resembled a borstal.

Milford member Michael Pemberton also supported the application. He said: "This in an opportunity that's unlikely to be repeated. We can either make sensible progress or leave a legacy of ugliness.''

Brockenhurst member Maureen Holding commented: "Everyone wants to see the scheme succeed. It's a vast improvement on the school, which is an absolute mess.''

However, a report to councillors said the application contravened local planning policies that aimed to protect the green belt.

Planning officer Chris Elliott warned that the council could face a legal challenge from the previous owner of the site if it approved the proposal, which was similar to the 23-house scheme that was rejected in 2002.

Mr Elliott added: "The dereliction of a site can never be a valid argument for allowing planning permission.''