A COUNCIL planning committee earned a standing ovation from campaigners after a tipping plan for Ramsbottom was unanimously thrown out.

Nearly 500 protesters with placards lined either side of Whalley Road in Shuttleworth near to Fletcher Bank Quarry where Biffa Waste Services had proposed to use the quarry as a landfill site.

Councillors from Bury Metro attended the quarry for a site visit before returning to the town hall in Bury where Biffa presented their arguments to have to application approved.

In the evening campaign group Ramsbottom Against Landfill (RALF), which has been fighting the plans for three-and-a-half years, presented its arguments backed by a further 40 speakers including Bury North MP David Chaytor.

A spokesman for RALF Tony Ingham said: "The evening meeting lasted the best part of three hours and the plans were overwhelmingly rejected.

"At the site visit we had between 400 and 500 people protesting peacefully and then we went into the town hall to listen to Biffa present their case.

"When the decision was read out the councillors received a standing ovation and I don't think that has ever been done before! We were delighted that after three-and-a-half years common sense had prevailed and we are very grateful to the council and its officers for making the right decision.

"I think it is a great victory for Ramsbottom but I am sure Biffa will come back. Ramsbottom has a great sense of community pride about itself and if Biffa come back with another plan we will be ready."

Biffa's plans would have seen the site used for landfill for the next 13 years while quarrying also continued at the site. The nearest house to the tip is just 30m away and 2,500 live within 500 yards of the site.

Ramsbottom Coun Barry Theckston described it as a "great night for people power" and commended RALF on their thorough, well-researched and organised presentation. He said: "The demonstration at the quarry was very organised and it was very peaceful. I think it was a great night for people power and common sense and the planning committee made the right decision."

Biffa is now considering its options and has a right to appeal against the decision.