CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build 240 more homes in Fareham are celebrating after the scheme was thrown out.

Developer Laing Homes had hoped the decision by Fareham council not to give permission for the scheme at Peters Road, Locks Heath, would be overturned.

But after a four-day inquiry planning inspector Phil Grainger has stood by the council, declaring the land should not be built on at present as there are enough projects under way in the area to satisfy demand.

In the Secretary of State's report Mr Grainger states that although the site is earmarked for development there is no need to build on it now to meet housing targets.

He says: "The housing situation does not, at the present time, indicate a clear and compelling need to release greenfield land that is not required to meet baseline provision."

The news has come as a relief to campaigners who have fought plans for development on the so-called 'green field' site from the outset.

Campaigner Richard Marley said: "All the neighbours will be delighted to hear the news. But it is a question of keeping an eye on it as they will be back at some point because, at the end of the day, it has been set aside for housing."

Mr Marley spoke at the appeal hearing in June urging the scheme to be turned down on the grounds that the local infrastructure would not be able to cope with 240 more homes in the area and raised concern about water and drainage issues.

His comments are also considered in the report which concludes there are a number of problems with the design of the scheme which ought to be considered by Laing. Fareham's executive leader Sean Woodward said: "It is good news that the government has up- held the council's decision and has listened to the residents' views.

"I think though it is very much a question for the residents to maintain a vigilance on the whole project as it is in the local plan to eventually be developed."

No one from Laing Homes was available for comment.