PLANS for new homes on the site of a disused factory where Spitfire engines were once made have been thrown out by a judge.

Federal Mogul Ltd claimed the government planning inspector who rejected its proposals ignored the social and other benefits of the development.

But at the High Court in London, Deputy High Court Judge Duncan Ouseley, QC, dismissed the complaints, saying the decision to block the scheme was "not remotely irrational."

Federal Mogul was ordered to pay £3,748 in legal costs and was refused leave to challenge the judge's ruling in the Court of Appeal.

The company wanted to build new homes on 12 acres off Netherampton Road, Salisbury, where there are several large and disused factories.

The factory was used for making Merlin engines for Spitfires during the Second World War, but it has lain unused since December 1998.

Salisbury District Council refused planning permission on grounds it would mean the loss of employment land, that the site lies outside any housing policy boundary and that the planning application was "premature."

Their decision was upheld by the planning inspector in October last year after a public inquiry.