NEIGHBOURS saw the latest attempt to build flats near their homes thrown out at a council planning meeting. Homeowners on the Whites Estate in Newton have battled for years to prevent developers from building on the former site of Newton Hall, claiming that traffic levels along their cul-de-sac will increase dramatically.

A council spokesman confirmed that plans were rejected as any new development would reduce the amount of 'green space' in the area.

There would be a loss of privacy to local residents and they conceded that there were concerns over the increase in traffic numbers.

There was also a worry about the decimation of old trees on the site, many of which have preservation orders on them.

Donna Austin, one of the worried residents fears that there will be further efforts to build on the site and added; "No matter what happens, we will fight it tooth and nail."