CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 64 homes on a Lymm site which has been 'systematically abused' over decades have been turned down.

More than 100 residents voiced opposition to Bellway Homes' plans to demolish all existing structures and carry out a remediation of Tanyard Farm, off Rushgreen Road, prior to building 64 properties

And many of them packed out the Town Hall chamber for the development management committee meeting on Wednesday.

Lymm Parish Council, Cllr Ian Marks (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) and 100 residents had put forward objections to the authority.

Residents said the proposals would lead to 'harmful and inappropriate development in the green belt'.

Parish councillor Anna Fradgley, who spoke on behalf of the parish council and members of the public at the meeting, said the land is of 'high environmental value'.

She also highlighted the importance of it to businesses that would have to relocate, if proposals were approved.

"There must be no doubt in your mind that this is green belt, it is not brownfield," she said.

"The parish council is working on a neighbourhood plan.

"There will be a loss of green belt and we accept that – but we need to take a holistic approach based on what the community needs.

"Please refuse this application."

Ecology consultant Francis Hesketh told the committee that the development would deliver an 'extremely rare' increase in biodiversity partly through planting new hedges and woodland.

He added: "The most significant benefit is the increase in green space.

"I also want to emphasise the ecology area will come at no cost to the council."

Cllr Bob Barr (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) stated the site has been 'allowed to fall into disrepair over decades'.

Cllr David Keane (LAB – Penketh and Cuerdley) also raised concerns over its condition.

He said: "I think we have established this site is in the green belt.

"This site has clearly been systematically abused over previous decades."

The application was refused, which sparked cheers from residents.