RESIDENTS in a Hampshire village are celebrating victory in a battle against a 70-home development.

A planning inspector dismissed an appeal by RA Dibben, which wanted to build on Roundabouts Copse in North Baddesley.

The news ends months of worry for residents, who had threatened to chain themselves to trees and gates if the development got the go-ahead.

Sue Bignell, 64, of Norton Welch Close, said: "I'm really pleased. The road would have been very congested and our view would have been ruined.

"If the decision had gone against us we had all agreed to take direct action."

Neighbour Dorothy Ransley, 70, said: "We are just so pleased - developers have been trying since we moved here 13 years ago to build on this land."

Norman Stratten, 95, and his wife Nellie, 80, would have faced directly onto the development from their home in Norton Welch Close. Nellie said: "It was a great worry because it would have hit us badly with the traffic and noise, when we came here for peace and quiet.

"If there was any direct action we would have joined in."

Test Valley and North Baddesley councillor Steve Cosier said: "The solidarity of the residents living close to the site was amazing.

"After speaking with a number of residents in Norton Welch Close and Botley Road, we decided if the appeal went against us, we would show the developers North Baddesley is not a dumping ground for more unnecessary houses."

Test Valley and North Baddesley councillor Alan Dowden said: "This is wonderful news and I'm sure the people of North Baddesley will be delighted. It's nice to win one."