MOVES to build a house on the edge of Hythe which prompted fears over an oak tree's fate have been stalled.

Emhurst Properties had sought planning permission for a new chalet-style house on land which was formerly part of a garden of an existing property at Forest Front, Hythe.

The firm appealed to the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, after the proposal was rejected by New Forest planners, but inspector Anthony Dixon upheld the council's decision.

As well as saying it would be overbearing and "harmfully out of keeping with the prevailing character of the area," he said its garage would be within the crown spread of an oak tree and "likely to cause root damage, possibly leading to the death of the tree."