RESIDENTS in a corner of Biggleswade are rejoicing after a planning appeal was thrown out for the second time. Property developer Angelo Baccarella had appealed against a decision by Mid Beds Council and a Government inspector who both threw out his plans

RESIDENTS in a corner of Biggleswade are rejoicing after a planning appeal was thrown out for the second time.

Property developer Angelo Baccarella had appealed against a decision by Mid Beds Council and a Government inspector who both threw out his plans to build flats on the site of his current home, Milestones in Dunton Lane in the town, which he wants to demolish.

Last July, HM inspector Jean Jones heard the first appeal and after hearing Mr Baccarella's case and the objections said the proposed development would be "completely out of character with its surroundings".

Mr Baccarella's representative Simon James had told the hearing: "The street scene is enhanced by this scheme. We need a building that is going to stand out. I don't see anything untoward in the scale."

But residents living in Primrose Close and Jasmine Close overlooking the proposed development strongly disagreed saying the proposals were an overbearing monstrosity.

A government inspector heard a second appeal in March this year and this week supported residents.

In rejecting the second appeal the inspector said it was because the plans reflected excessive site coverage and considerable bulk; excessive development on a relatively constrained site; it was out of keeping with its surroundings; development of the intensity

proposed would dominate the footpath and cycleway that

passes the site and appears overbearing in views from Primrose Close.

Mid Beds District Council had originally refused planning permission on the grounds of design, layout, siting, size, scale, bulk and lack of amenity space.

One of the leading campaigners against the development, Penny Gilbert, who lives in Primrose Close, said after hearing: "Local residents are delighted the plans have been turned down.

"If you are unlucky enough to have a property developer move into the house next door you realise it won't be long before the plot will soon become a building site.

"We have accepted that all along. But what we would not accept was the prospect of having a massive block of flats built on the corner of our estate.

"We have fought against these flats for over two years and hope now that houses will be built in keeping with nearby existing homes."

Mr Baccarella currently has a planning application with the Mid Beds District Council for the erection of five two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes on the site where he wanted to build flats.