CAMPAIGNERS have spoken of their delight after planners turned down a pair of big housing schemes.

Flintshire Council's planning committee met last week to discuss controversial proposals for 435 houses and a large retail store on Spon Green Farm as well as plans for up to 100 homes on Megs Lane in the town.

Both were unanimously refused, as per the recommendation of the council's planning officers.

Concerns had been raised about both proposals in relation to the impact on green barrier land and the town's infrastructure.

Following the decision Buckley resident John Woolley, chairman of a group set up to object to the Spon Green scheme, told the Leader: "Naturally we're pleased - it was good to see the councillors and the officer agreeing with the objections of the community.

"There is a time frame for them to put an appeal in and we will be preparing for one if it is put in. We're not giving up.

"Everyone that I have so far spoken to has been happy about it and that fact it was turned down on the principle regarding the green barrier, not on a technicality.

"That is a significant hurdle for the applicants to overcome if they do decide to submit an appeal.

"We had 103 objections submitted and three submissions in favour of it so I would like to thank the community for their support."

Mike Lewis, chairman of the Megs Lane Action Group committee against the development, previously told the Leader that opposing the plans had been a long and 'stressful battle.'

On the outcome of the planning committee meeting he said: "I think it was an excellent decision.

"They took into account the residents' objections but the main thing was that it was against planning policy Wales regarding the green barrier.

"It is a big load off our shoulders because it has been going on for more than 12 months."