A disgraced millionaire benefit cheat’s plan to build a new motel on Green Belt land has been rejected.

Edward Putman, who carried on claiming nearly £13,000 in benefits after scooping £5 million on the lottery in 2009, submitted plans to build a 30-bedroom motel in Station Road, Kings Langley.

The 47-year-old was jailed for nine months after admitting benefit fraud at St Albans Crown Court in July 2012.

But Three Rivers District Council rejected plans to demolish the current building at South Bend, opposite Kings Langley Station, to make way for a motel which was going to include a dining room and kitchen.

Council officials said it would be an "inappropriate development" that is "harmful to the Green Belt".

Planning officers also raised concerns about the effect that the plans would have on the transport in the area, stating that: "The proposed development would result in a significant increase in demand for sustainable transport provision in the area and there is currently a shortage of these facilities in the area.

"The proposed development would exacerbate this situation."

The final reason given by the council for rejecting the proposals were fears over the loss of two residential properties, which is against the council’s core strategy plan. This document sets out the council’s development strategy until 2026 and includes future sites for housing.

Records show Putman paid £466,000 for the site in 2011.

Flintstones, the property next to the current South Bend building, objected to the plans, stating concerns over the development of Green Belt land, the fact that the proposed motel would be in a residential setting, traffic and parking.

In a planning document submitted to the council, the site is described as "an ideal location for such accommodation".

Documents also stated: "Research has shown that there is a distinct lack of any accommodation in the form a Travel Lodge, Holiday Day Inn, etc, within Kings Langley or the surrounding vicinity for either business people travelling in the area or for visitors to the West Herts College and even visitors from outside the area wishing to go to the Harry Potter Theme Park at Leavesden."

Councillor Chris Whately-Smith, chair of the planning committee believes the correct decision was reached.

The Liberal Democrat representative said: "The officers considered the application, they rejected it on three grounds, one of which was Green Belt and building on Green Belt land is inappropriate, therefore it was rejected.

"The Green Belt is there for a reason. It provides a break between communities and it was deemed inappropriate on those grounds.

"I believe they reached the correct decision."