PROTESTERS campaigning against plans to build 18 flats on land in Markland Hill are celebrating after the proposals were refused.

A total of 43 residents objected to an application by Crosby Homes to demolish an existing building -- Bloomfield, on Markland Hill -- and replace it with a five storey block of flats and two garages. The proposal was thrown out because councillors on the planning committee believed the development would be out of character with the area.

Crosby Homes had originally planned to build seven detached houses but that scheme was refused last year.

This was the firm's second bid to develop the land, but the proposals were unanimously refused on the grounds that at 18 metres high, 25 metres wide and 41 metres long, the development was too large. Councillors believed it would have a detrimental effect on the Chorley New Road Conservation Area.

For the first time, following new rules introduced at council planning meetings, a representative for the residents was able to personally address the committee to state their case.

Janet Rae, speaking on behalf of the Heaton Residents Association, was given two minutes to outline the group's concerns.

She said: "The size and scale of the proposed flats are clearly not in keeping with the area, they are more than six times that of the existing building and are incompatible with the area. We must seek to preserve and protect the conservation areas."

A spokesman for Crosby Homes also spoke for two minutes. She addressed objections about the appearance of the flats, claiming they would "offer an elegant building in an elegant setting".

After a short debate, in which several local councillors agreed with residents' objections a unanimous vote was taken and the plans were refused.