RESIDENTS fighting to save a Hampshire greenfield site have scored a major victory against plans for 230 homes.

The controversial scheme to develop green space in Cranleigh Road, Portchester, were met with strong protests by hundreds of people earlier this year, when applicants Gudgeon Developers Ltd appealed against Fareham Borough Council's decision to throw out the proposals.

But after considering the effects the development would have on the area, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Ruth Kelly yesterday rejected the appeal and agreed with council planners that it would damage the character of the area and blur the boundaries between Port-chester and Fareham.

Campaigning resident Stella Bell, who lives in nearby Cornaway Lane, said the decision was a victory for everyone who had campaigned against it.

"I'm over the moon. It was the residents who did it, and it just goes to show what you can achieve with people power."

Mrs Bell praised her fellow Portchester residents who helped make banners, display posters and spoke out at the public appeal.

"I was also concerned about the road and the traffic along there," she added.

350 objections More than 350 residents objected to the plans last year, which would have seen 30 dwellings built per hectare, with 50 per cent of the homes being used for affordable housing.

In April, 150 people attended a four-day public appeal held at Portchester Community School, saying the development would damage the environment and that local primary schools would be unable to cope with a large influx of new pupils.

Glyn Wadey, of Shearwater Avenue, also praised the decision, saying it would be a great relief to the community.

"It is excellent news. We were very concerned about the absence of additional infrastructure to provide for the people who would have been living in the estate," he said.

"The developers were assuming that the current infrastructure could carry the extra 600 to 700 people who would live there."

Mr Wadey said a strong part of the residents' campaign was that there were no plans to provide educational facilities for children or to meet the medical requirement of additional elderly people.

Hampshire County Councillor for Fareham and Portchester Roger Price said: "I'm delighted by the news."

Praising the residents who protested against the proposals, he said: "I'm absolutely over the moon.

"I think it is a good victory for public opinion in making their voices heard for the good of the community."