Plans to develop houses on greenbelt land in Rushmere St Andrew, that had been left to a consortium of charities were unanimously rejected yesterday.

The proposal to build 14 dwellings adjacent to 155 The Street had been recommended for approval, despite strong public opposition, but was rejected by the Suffolk Coastal District Council south area development sub-committee.

Development of the land had been an ongoing concern, after it was believed the land left to the consortium by Nora Baldwin after her death, was due to remain green space.

Ron Spore, chairman of Save Our Rushmere’s Rural Identity (SORRI) who spoke at the meeting against the proposal, said: “We are delighted by the outcome which asserted common sense, and the people of Rushmere’s will to retain the unique character of the village over a further attempt to build on green space, which is both a working small holding and a managed biodiversity area.”

Robert Whiting, Suffolk County Councillor and parish councillor for Rushmere St Andrew added: “This application was not welcomed by the local community with over 260 letters of objection being received, so I am pleased to have had the opportunity to represent those objectors.”

A spokesperson representing the consortium of charities said: “The charitable beneficiaries of Mrs Baldwin are surprised at this determination, given the application had the planning officer’s recommendation, and look forward to seeing the full reasoning of the determination in due course.”