RESIDENTS are celebrating after a bid to build housing on the site of a former hospital was rejected.

An application by Miller Homes North East, to build 26 detached homes and 78 apartments on the site of the former Highfield Hospital in Chester-le-Street, has been refused planning permission.

Dozens of people who live near the site, off Newcastle Road, packed into a planning meeting at the town's Civic Centre on Monday night to hear the verdict.

Residents had campaigned against the plans, saying the houses would be too densely built. They also said the three-storey flats were too tall.

More than 30 residents sent letters to Chester-le-Street District Council objecting to the plans and 84 people attended a residents' meeting to air their concerns about the plans a couple of weeks ago. At Monday's planning meeting, councillors also felt that the houses were too densely packed on the site and went against the recommendation of the planning officer by refusing to grant planning permission.

Coun Chris Jukes spoke to the planning meeting on behalf of residents, as he does not sit on the planning committee.

He said: "The residents of that area have been tremendous in the dignified and intelligent way that they have conducted themselves.

"They hope that a more sensible development will now come forward that will meet all parties' aspirations."

One resident, Enid Moss, from Highfield Drive, said she was overjoyed at the decision.

She said: "The building that is there now is horrible, it's going to wrack and ruin, so we would be happy to see something nice built opposite to us, but not these gigantic flats."

The plans had involved demolishing the current hospital buildings, which have stood empty since the medical equipment was moved to the new hospital site at the south end of Front Street.

The four and five-bedroomed homes and two-bedroomed apartments would be built on the site and as well as private housing, the development would have included some low cost homes.

Prior to Monday's meeting, Miller Homes said they had given careful consideration to the design and visual appearance of the development and had worked closely with the council to ensure it was a sensitive development.

No one from Miller Homes North East was available for comment after the plan was rejected.