THE Government has blocked a controversial housing and industrial development on the site of the former Whittingham Hospital - and local MP Nigel Evans hopes any similar greenfield schemes in the area will also be vetoed by Ministers.

The major scheme was opposed by local residents in and around Goosnargh and Ribble Valley Council.

Ribble Valley MP Mr Evans also objected to the plans and is delighted at the decision hoping it sets a precedent for the future with regard to developments on open land in and around his constituency.

The North West NHS Executive put forward two different proposals but Preston Council refused planning permission for both.

The Executive appealed and a public inquiry was held.

The Inspector in charge of the inquiry John Gray said the appeal should be allowed and either scheme should be permitted to go ahead. But now Local Government and Planning Minister Sally Keeble has overruled Mr Gray and vetoed both plans.

One scheme would have involved 750 homes, 24,000 square feet of business premises, a primary school, a community centre, open space, a public house, and a village centre.

The alternative involved 950 homes., five hectares of light industrial properties, 1000 square feet of retail space, local shops, a primary school, a community centre, outdoor sports facilities and open space.

The Inspector recommended the go ahead and said there was adequate transport access to the site.

But Mrs Keeble said there was no urgency in releasing further greenfield land in the area and said she was concerned that there was an oversupply of housing locally.

Mr Evans said: "I am absolutely delighted that the government has decided to refuse planning permission for the development of the Whittingam Hospital Site.

"I am pleased that the government has listened to the concerns of local residents. I hope this will finally put to rest any proposal to completely ruin what is a beautiful village by covering it with concrete."