A housing developer’s decision to scrap plans to build homes in Claverham have been welcomed by villagers who have raised a pint in celebration.

‘Relieved’ villages celebrated Gladman Homes’ decision to not push ahead with its desire to build 70 homes off Chestnut Drive last year.

The application, as reported by the Times last week, was withdrawn at the end of last month.

The news has been met with delight by members of the Claverham Future steering group, which has submitted an application to list one of Gladman’s chosen fields as a village green, in the hope this will protect it against future development.

Claverham Future’s chairman Nigel Cooper said the plan is now to look to the future and ensure Claverham’s green space is protected for the long-term.

He told the Times: “The news that the scheme off Chestnut Drive had been abandoned swept through Claverham and the surrounding villages, and was celebrated with a few pints in the village hall.

“Everyone is delighted and relieved.

“We can now concentrate on supporting sustainable development through our neighbourhood plan, which – along with the village green application – will improve our environment and allow us to concentrate on a positive future.”

Dozens of objections were submitted to North Somerset Council by villagers and supporters of No Moor Development who felt new homes would increase the risk of injury using Claverham’s roads.