RESIDENTS living in Forest today claimed victory in their campaign to stop 77 new homes being built on land off Woodrow Road, Melksham.

Following Wiltshire Council’s refusal and pressure from objectors, East Devon housing developer Waddeton Park Ltd has withdrawn its appeal.

The Government’s planning inspectorate in Bristol said it would be taking “no further action” in respect of the appeal.

It is understood the appeal was withdrawn after the developers were told the scheme was contrary to the Wiltshire Core Strategy.

Wiltshire Councillor Phil Alford said: “The planning department made the right decision and did so with a robust case.

“Unfortunately, as often happens, the developers wanted to use the appeal system to try and circumnavigate the planning process that the rest of us have to follow.

“This was a cynical attempt and I'm delighted to see that they have recognised that they have no chance and have withdrawn their appeal.

“This sends a really positive message to everyone, both developers and residents. We can and will protect our rural heritage from predatory development.”

Sue Carter, head of the Woodrow Road and Local Community Facebook Group, said: “We are absolutely thrilled. This is exactly what we were hoping for although we were shocked it has been withdrawn.

“More than 200 people in the group have worked really hard on this. Everybody has contributed towards this. They have definitely made a lot of difference.”

The company, based at Clyst St Mary near Exeter, had wanted to build the new homes on farm land off Woodrow Road. They would have included 30 per cent of affordable housing.

The company’s original application was to build a 152-home estate on the site but the scheme was trimmed back following archaeological discoveries.

Up to 250 local residents have fought an 18-month battle against the scheme and signed a protest petition saying it would generate more traffic.

They claimed the farm land on which the company wanted to build was prone to heavy flooding and that the scheme would harm wildlife.

Both Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council had objected to the scheme saying the site lacked an adequate road infrastructure.

The proposed development would have featured open space, ecological enhancements, play space and associated infrastructure improvements, including drainage structures and highways works, access, parking, servicing and landscaping.