CAMPAIGNERS fighting controversial plans to build 57 houses on green belt land are celebrating victory this week after developers Redrow suddenly pulled out of a public inquiry to decide the application.

Hundreds of residents had signed petitions and written to object to Redrow's speculative planning

application to build the houses on land off Outwood Lane in Horsforth.

Redrow had taken the plans to a public inquiry after Leeds City Council failed to determine the

application in time. The company was unavailable for comment on the latest

development.

Leading campaigner, Coun Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth), said: "I am ecstatic. So many people

objected to this plan - it is a real

victory for the community.

"I doubt that Redrow will submit an other application in the next few weeks, months or even years - but we still need to be on our guard and be vigilant."

Horsforth MP Paul Truswell told the Wharfedale: "I'm pleased the application has been withdrawn but I believe we have got to have an

opportunity once and for all to lay these applications to rest.

"This is the latest in a series of attempts to exploit the commercial potential of this green space. Obviously there is nothing to stop developers submitting another application in the future.

"We have got a very strong case when that happens to finally knock this whole business on the head and hopefully preserve this green space forever."

Town Councillor John Brodwell, who is also chairman of Horsforth Civic Society, added that this was a victory for whole town but also warned of future applications.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.