A GROUP of Okehampton residents have high hopes they have succeeded in protecting adjoining land from being allocated for residential development.
In West Devon Borough Council's draft local plan published two years ago, land south of Giblands was identified for residential development.
But nearby residents opposed the idea, claiming the proposal would have a negative impact on the surrounding countryside.
And the planning inspector's report into the draft local plan, published in December, has recommended the deletion of the scheme from the final version of the plan.
Last Friday, West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett met local councillors at the home of one of the campaigners at White Tor Close to give residents an update and celebrate the good news about the inspector's decision.
Glen Wise was one of the leading figures in the campaign to oppose the earmarking of the land for housing.
He said: 'We are delighted that the inspector's report has sided with the residents and had the wisdom to take the proposal out.
'We have worked very hard as a group and hopefully we have got a good result,'
Mr Wise also paid tribute to the hard work and support of Mr Burnett and local councillors.
The council is expected formally to adopt the new local plan in the coming months.