CAMPAIGNING villagers at Romanby saw victory yesterday when a controversial scheme for 99 houses was thrown out by Hambleton councillors.

Only four of the 20-strong development control committee supported the estate proposed by Barratt York for the former county council depot in Ainderby Road.

The committee rejected the application, despite an officer recommendation of approval. Members remained concerned about the design of 2- and three-storey houses, the density of the development and its impact.

Barratt has already told Hambleton that it will appeal.

The company submitted new plans after an earlier scheme for 99 houses and flats was refused in August. A decision on the latest application was deferred last month to enable Barratt to submit more information about drainage and to look again at the design.

Yesterday planning officers said they were now satisfied, but Coun John Smith, of Romanby, said: "We are trying to maintain a village community. Can anyone convince me those buildings would fit comfortably in a village?

"Architecturally they are a disgrace. They look like a factory."

The scheme provoked a storm of objections and Harold Bartram, a Romanby parish councillor speaking for residents, said later: "It was the only decision the committee could have made. We hope Barratt will now come back with plans that are more acceptable.