RESIDENTS in Kennford have celebrated victory over a company that wanted to build almost 60 houses and a business park in the village.

Heritage Developments (SW) Ltd was refused permission by Teignbridge Council earlier this year for the scheme on farmland off Exeter Road.

The company appealed, saying the authority had acted 'unreasonably' as members of the planning committee had gone against officers' recommendation to approve with no grounds to support their stance.

Last week planning inspector Neil Pope heard evidence from both sides during an informal hearing and has since backed the villagers.