PLANS to build nearly 90 new homes in open countryside have been thrown out, to the joy of villagers.

Landscaping firm Brambledown Services wanted to sell six acres of their base, on Brandon Lane, in Brandon, near Durham, for an 89-home housing estate, to be built by Dere Street Homes.

Company bosses said the scheme was crucial to its ongoing operation.

However, villagers said the new estate would damage the conservation area and sacrifice the green buffer between Brandon and neighbouring Brandon Village.

On Tuesday (November 11), Durham County Council’s central and east area planning committee refused planning permission for the development.

Brambledown managing director Frank Curry had said the project would allow re-investment in the business.

The firm has been trading for 42 years but has suffered a difficult time in recent years, with its workforce falling from 130 to 75, he said.

However, there is a growing confidence it is “through the worst” and is looking to rebuild, Mr Curry said.

Nevertheless, councillors unanimously refused consent.