CAMPAIGNERS against a housing development in Rubery -- who had their celebrations cut short by "axemen" -- are jubilant this week after a new application was turned down.

Beacon Hill residents' joy at hearing their ten-month battle to stop the five-house development near their homes was successful was cut short in July when workmen arrived just hours later to chop down trees.

But this week they are again celebrating after Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee refused a second planning application, from Carlton Development Ltd, to build four homes and garages at the site.

Campaigner Val Henderson, one of 383 people to write letters of objection to the committee, said: "Obviously the residents are delighted but I am sure the developers will come back with another amended plan.

"We are also very pleased councillors Psirides, Hancox and McGrath spoke out about the vandalism to the trees."

In July campaigners were celebrating after receiving a letter from the Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate telling them it had thrown out the developer's appeal against a decision by the district council not to allow five houses to be built behind their homes.

In a report the inspector said the proposed development would have an "unacceptable impact" on the character and appearance of the residential area by causing the loss of a "significant number of tress and putting others under threat for the future".

Shortly after that around ten mature trees were felled on the plot.