VILLAGERS are celebrating after a bid to build five houses in an Upper Denby garden was blocked by councillors.

Developer Cooper Lawrence Homes had planned to knock down a bungalow at Denby Lane to make room for a new cul-de-sac.

More than 50 residents objected to the controversial plan to build opposite The George pub.

Backed by local councillors, residents said the new development would be too imposing and access to it from the narrow Denby Lane would be dangerous.

Yesterday, councillors at the Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-Committee agreed the proposal was inappropriate and refused permission.

Speaking after the crunch meeting, lead campaigner Kath Wood said she was delighted with the result.

“We’re relieved rather than pleased,” she said. “They may go to appeal but we’re hopeful that nothing will be built there.”

Denby Dale Conservative Clr Jim Dodds, who spoke against the plan, said: “Common sense has prevailed. The number of houses in a small space was too much and the fact that neighbouring cottages were below the level of the land was inappropriate.

“The Government has said garden grabbing should stop immediately.”