Chester greenbelt 2,300-student complex refused
A planning application for a £100m student village on greenbelt land in Chester has been rejected.
The plans to accommodate up to 2,300 students on a 67-acre site was refused for the second time by Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Olympic rowing champion Sir Steve Redgrave supported the proposals on land between Parkgate Road and Shelley Road despite thousands of objections.
Greenbelt campaigners said they were "thrilled" with the decision.
Bell Developments proposed to build a sporting facility, full-sized football pitches, four mini-sports pitches, and up to 400 car parking spaces, as well as the accommodation.
The scheme was turned down in January but the plans were resubmitted.
The latest rejection was made by the full council after planning councillors decided all members should vote on the major development.
After the decision was announced, Andy Scargill, chairman of Friends of North Chester Green Belt, said: "I'm thrilled, absolutely thrilled."
The council was inundated with objections including two petitions with 2,670 and 120 names and 400 letters.
The application was not supported by the University of Chester.
But it was backed by Sir Steve who planned to open a sporting institute within the complex.
In a letter, he said: "Councillors this a personal appeal from me, for you to do the right thing.
"I would be even more proud if this project meant that we had supported the future generations in their supporting quests and helped families across Cheshire."
Councillors rejected the plans by an overwhelming majority - 51 votes to one with three abstentions.