Plans to build houses in a south Oxfordshire village have been rejected, after fears it would threaten the livelihood of a neighbouring garage.

Fairwood Developments Ltd wanted to demolish a dilapidated cottage on the High Street in Tetsworth, near Thame, and build three detached cottages there.

The plans involved sealing off the garage's access to the A40, and creating a new entrance further down the road.

Company spokesman Brian Rea told South Oxfordshire District Council's northern area planning committee that there were no plans to redevelop the garage, unless the tenant decided to leave.

Committee member Rodney Mann said: "It's a very busy garage and a very valuable local amenity."

He claimed that one of the cottages would be too close to the often-used village hall, and would lead to complaints from the new householders about noise.

Despite officers recommending approval, the committee rejected the plan.