A controversial application to site a holiday complex in Micheldever has been narrowly turned down by city planners leading to jubilant scenes.
Councillors including Ian Tait and Barry Lipscomb joined fellow Conservatives Cllr Eileen Berry and Cllr Ernie Jeffs in successfully blocking the 98-cabin proposal, following successful representations from local councillor Stephen Godfrey, who outlined wide objections from the Dever Society, the parish council and local residents.
As well as 98 holiday cabins, Forest Holidays applied for permission for a cafe, 174 parking spaces, a shop and cycle trials through the wood.
Winchester MP Steve Brine said: "I have nothing against Forest Holidays who were entitled to make this application and to resubmit revised plans but as a local community we were also entitled to say no. It just wasn't right for this area and local people were very clear about that. I don't believe for one moment a site so close to the M3 is an ideal place for someone to have a holiday complex and I hope the company will now withdraw with good grace and look elsewhere for opportunities to grow their business."
Local residents applauded and cheered as the planning committee, who met at Warren Hall, Micheldever, turned down the application four to three.
Cllr Lipscomb added: “It is too big and it is in the wrong place. This is localism in action. We need to listen to it.”
Pictured; Steve and Barry in Micheldever