I WOULD like to express the grateful thanks which Huncoat residents have for the courageous and ultimately correct decision which was made by the planning committee councillors.

The rejection of a plan to take green fields and green belt from the heart of our village and develop surplus business units and offices was a victory for public opinion and commonsense.

People who live in Huncoat were angry and dismayed at a plan to take green fields and green belt from the heart of our village.

People who live in Huncoat were angry and dismayed at a plan which would ultimately destroy the value of the precious green belt.

This plan would in effect have surrounded the village with development and destroyed the rural aspect and countryside pathways which are a rich part of the borough's oldest township.

The local plan now needs to change and reflect a new era in thinking about land allocation and preserving green space.

The plan is out of date and out of tune with the people and the needs of a forward-looking authority.

A strong local community which values its heritage has been supported by a planning committee which has made the right choice. I hope they will remain resolute.

IAN McCANN, Huncoat Voice, Peter Grime Row, Accrington.