BERRY Hill residents are celebrating after proposals to build 200 homes near the village were quashed by the Secretary of State.

Gladman Developments wanted to build a new residential estate at Crow Ash Farm, which is situated behind the Gamekeeper’s Inn on sloping land towards the Pike House.

Forest of Dean District Council planners refused permission for the scheme to go ahead but Gladman appealed this decision and it was called in by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on January 22, 2016.

Mark Monk, of Berry Hill Action Group who have been fighting the plans, said he was delighted with the decision.

District Councillor for the village Tim Gwilliam congratulated the local action group for all the time and effort they put in to campaigning against the proposed development.

He said: “I’m delighted for Berry Hill Action Group who have worked so hard to oppose the development and really thrilled for those that have contributed and worked so tirelessly on our emerging neighbourhood development plan.”

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid said the proposals would diminish the openness and rural character of the countryside between Berry Hill and Coleford.

Gladman Developments can still challenge the decision within the next six-weeks by writing to the High Court.