CAMPAIGNING residents are celebrating after controversial plans to build up to 90 houses have been scrapped.

People who live in Marsh Lane off Fairmile Road, Christchurch contacted the borough council in droves earlier this year after proposals for a 90-house development at the rear of the road was included as part of the authority’s core strategy.

The scheme for the land, which is currently designated as green belt, attracted more than 400 objections from worried residents.

As a result the Marsh Lane Action group was formed to oppose the plans.

But now, as the council consults on proposed changes for the document, which reshapes the future of Christchurch over the next 15 years, the proposals for Marsh Lane have been removed.

Steve Roberts, spokesperson for the Marsh Lane Action Group, said: “I am delighted that all the hard work that went into this campaign has paid off in the end.

“We always believed that this was an inappropriate site for building, with it being green belt, flood plain and so close to a nationally significant SSSI.

“I know that residents of the bungalows at Bronte Park were very concerned about the future, so I am really pleased that we have been able to achieve something on their behalf.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who went out at all times and in all weathers to canvass all the roads in the neighbourhood.

“I would also like to thank the 600-plus households who supported us by listening to us on their doorsteps and completing objection forms for us.”

Judith Plumley, head of community and economy at the Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership, said: “It was clear from the response from the public and Natural England, as well as the developer’s inability to deliver an alternative site which would mitigate any impact on the heathland, that this was not a suitable location for this type of development at this time.

“The council has therefore listened to the consultation responses and removed the site from its proposals.

“However, housing delivery for the borough continues to be a priority for the council over the lifetime of the plan.

“It is needed to enable us to maintain a thriving community which is economically active and to retain local young people and their skills.”