Warwick District Council's design for how the area should look over the next few years received the seal of approval from a government planning inspector this week.

This means that objections raised by landowners, developers and Coventry Airport among others on how land in the area should be used have been rejected.

The fears of groups such as the Binswood Allotment Society and those protesting against developer George Wimpey's hopes of building on Leamington's cricket and tennis club grounds have been allayed.

Allotment society chairman Dennis Bradley said: "Our members are very, very pleased with the news. The allotments should remain as greenbelt land."

Warren Close resident and Wimpey plan objector Denis Secher said: "I'm pleased that the planners and inspector are standing up to this wave of developers trying to take away open, green spaces."

Others celebrating include the residents and councillors who were against various landowners' and developers' requests for greenbelt land around Whitnash, Radford Semele, Europa Way, Campion Hills and Milverton to be earmarked for housing or businesses.

Coun Bernard Kirton (Ind, Whitnash) held a public meeting to make people aware of the objections so they could write to the inspector.

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He said: "This is a real victory for democracy, it's been a real community effort. I would like to thank the residents of Whitnash who took an active part."

The council received a total of 1,700 objections during the public inquiry into its plan last year - some from people requesting greenbelt be extended. Around 100 were for a change of land use.

Coun John Hammon (Con, Cubbington), the development portfolio holder, said: "This report is excellent news for the council and for the people of the district. It endorses the approach that we have taken towards planning responsibly for growth in the district whilst at the same time protecting our key assets; the quality of our environment, our countryside and open spaces and our town centres."

Senior planning manager Phillip Clark added: "The inspector thought the council had a clear and consistent strategy, but the support of local people really helped and the inspector took note. The inspector has made some minor changes to the plan to accommodate some of the objections, but not in terms of the major issues."

Decisions in brief

Coventry Airport
The airport wanted to increase its permitted development rights. But the inspector agreed the airport should only be allowed to erect small buildings for operational purposes. The number of passengers using the airport will stay at two million a year and a sustainable transport plans will be implemented.

Kenilworth
Kenilworth residents' hopes that the greenbelt boundary to the north of the town be extended have been met and it will now include the Crackley Triangle. Four percent of every ten homes built in urban areas will have to be 'affordable' housing.

Stoneleigh
Stoneleigh Park, the Stoneleigh Business Park, the university and the former Honiley airfield have all been identified as "major developed sites" in the greenbelt.

Queensway
A request by objectors that additional land at Queensway be allocated for retail use has been refused.