PEOPLE living close to the former Newhaven residential home in Darwen were celebrating victory today after the building was saved from demolition.

Planning chiefs turned down an application by Bolton-based Westbridge Developments Ltd to build 14 apartments on the site in Ashleigh Street, and build 14 apartments, in two blocks, on the site.They said it would lead to an oversupply of housing in the area.

Resident June Ellison, of Cyprus Street, said: "Everyone will be delighted. It's great news.

"The thought of all that extra traffic coming up here to the apartments and the upheaval was worrying."

Sudell ward councillor Eileen Entwistle spoke against the proposal at the Blackburn with Darwen planning meeting and said: "It would be an act of vandalism to demolish this property."

But Coun Paul Browne spoke in favour of the application. He argued: "It's going to be derelict and get worse and this idea to me is absolutely first class."