Plans to build homes next to two historic manors and on land that is home to protected badgers have been blocked for the third time.

Local developers and a Catholic charity wanted to build 25 homes on the site off Oakhurst Rise which forms part of the grounds of St Edward's Preparatory School.

Developers have been trying and failing for years to secure permission to build houses on the land- which is earmarked for homes by the council in its Cheltenham Plan 2020.

An application in 2019 for 69 homes was dismissed on appeal and then in 2021 an application for 43 houses suffered the same fate.

Last year Cheltenham-based developers William Morrison Limited and Carmelite Charitable Trust, the Catholic organisation which helps fund the school, applied to build 15 market dwellings and 10 affordable units on the site.

Cheltenham Borough Council refused the application 22/00112/OUT in November 2022. It said the proposals would lead to "substantial harm" to the nearby Grade II listed Ashley Manor and Charlton Manor and would harm badgers living on the land.

Government inspector Bhupinder Thandi has now upheld their decision.

Ashley Manor dates back to 1832 and was originally constructed as a modest plain stucco villa. It rose to prominence after being bought by notable banker Nathaniel Hartland who transformed it into one of the finest villas in the Cheltenham area.

The mid-19th Century Charlton Manor was the first mansion to be built on the neighbouring Battledown Estate and was designed by Henry Dangerfield in an eclectic Gothic Revival style.

The site is also is home to several protected trees and six badgers setts and is designated as a Local Wildlife Site.

The inspector said: "The proposed development would erode the unspoilt and green appearance of the site through the introduction of built form, associated infrastructure and domestic paraphernalia."

However, this was not a reason for refusal, as they said the harm would be at the low end of "less than substantial" and be outweighed by benefits including the provision of new homes,; the creation of public open space, a Local Wildlife Area (LWA) for badgers and capital investment into school facilities.

The inspector dismissed the appeal due to the absence of a planning obligation and the "adverse impact" of failing to provide financial contributions towards libraries and education and the delivery of affordable housing and a LWA.

They appeal decision said: "The presumption in favour of sustainable development therefore does not apply in this case.

"I conclude that the proposal conflicts with the development plan, when read as a whole. There are no other considerations that outweigh that harm."