OPPONENTS of plans to build holiday lodges in a wood just outside Malvern cheered and applauded when the scheme was rejected.

Members of Malvern Hills District Council voted 8-6 this week to reject the scheme for 50 lodges and a reception centre in Langdale Wood off the Blackmore Park Road.

The plan was submitted by the Three Counties Agricultural Society, which said the development was a vital part of its plans to secure its financial future.

And the plan was recommended for approval by the district council's own planning officers.

But after a debate lasting over an hour, councillors voted to throw out the scheme.

Hanley ward member Mike Morgan proposed the rejection saying that it should be rejected because of the density of the development and the size of the reception building.

"That building is more like a small conference hall," he said.

The meeting was attended by about 40 protesters, who had been opposing the application since it was first made more than a year ago. They held a candle-lit vigil before the meeting on Wednesday evening.

Following the decision, Lou Lowton, one of the leaders of the campaign, said: "We're absolutely delighted with this decision. We are not opposed to the Three Counties Agricultural Society, but this wood was not the place for the development."

The group gathered 1,600 names on a petition against the development, which they said would devastate the wildlife that currently occupies the site.

Samantha Charles, another campaigner, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that the campaign was successful. It was a very passionate and exciting meeting and there was overwhelming support for the campaign in the room.

"We need more truly affordable homes in Malvern, not more holiday homes or incredibly expensive executive homes or retirement apartments."

The Three Counties Agricultural Society is due to issue a statement on the decision later today.