RESIDENTS were celebrating today after councillors turned down plans for an apartment block next to their homes.

A construction firm wanted to build eight flats and a penthouse near their bungalows of Stitch Mi Lane, Harwood.

But more than 150 people feared their privacy would be invaded and objection letters were sent to planning chiefs.

Cllr Nick Peel told a planning meeting: "I think the objectors are quite happy to have detached or semi-detached properties next to their homes but this development is far too intensive."

Cllr Bob Howarth said: "It's much too intensive. I cannot believe the developer is trying to crowd that many units into such a small space."

The plans would have seen a two-storey block containing 10 luxury two-bedroom flats on disused land next to the White Horse pub on Stitch-mi-Lane.

The main objection was that the flats would look out of place in the neighbourhood and would be intrusive, with windows directly overlooking homes and gardens.

Many local people were attracted to the area because of its tranquil and country-like atmosphere and claim the flats would change the surroundings dramatically.

Resident Anne Johnson said: "The flats would be totally out of character.

"Stitch-Mi-Lane is a country road with farmland on one side and houses, bungalows and old cottages on the other.

The plans had been submitted by Downleaf Ltd.