An application for hundreds of apartments to be built in Peel has been turned down by the planning committee.

Dandara wanted to develop fields at Ballawattleworth, but has been told its proposals would have little in common with the town's character.

The planning committee says the scheme is premature because, according to the strategic plan, the 1,000 dwellings which are needed in the area are either already approved or could be made available by conversions.

The committee adds the development would be of inappropriately high density for an edge of town site and the local schools would be unable to cope with the demand created.

Dandara has been told the suggested layout would produce 'an abrupt interface between the built development and the countryside, which would have an adverse impact on the landscape.'

The precise number of apartments included in the plan is not known at this stage.