UP to 800 residents have won a fight to stop a town's famous picture postcard view being spoilt by development.

Objectors claimed development of nine apartments near the River Nidd would have spoilt the view of Knaresborough from the castle ramparts.

So many objectors turned up for a meeting of Knaresborough area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council that the start of the meeting was delayed.

Planning officer Neville Watson recommended approval, saying redevelopment of the site at Da Mario's restaurant beneath the town's high-level viaduct, had been substantially reviewed since it was last considered.

But councillors voted seven votes to three to reject the scheme. David Rance, chairman of Knaresborough Action Group, said: "This was a victory for common sense and democracy. About 120 residents turned up for the meeting, some of them with banners."

The Action Group was originally set up to oppose a superstore development by Tesco in the town's Stockwell area, which had originally been given planning permission, but was later turned down following a public inquiry.

Mr Rance said he had spoken to developers after the meeting and offered to meet them because he said they are not trying to oppose things just for the sake of it.

Councillors turned down the scheme because of its impact on the conservation area.

Objectors were concerned about the impact it would have on the view from Knaresborough Castle grounds.