Cabinet minister Eric Pickles is the toast of Devizes this week after it was revealed he stepped in to prevent 350 homes being built on farmland at Coate Bridge.

Communities secretary Mr Pickles went against the recommendation of a planning inspector and dismissed an appeal by developers Mactaggart and Mickel. The decision was released on Tuesday to the delight of campaigners who had feared that Wiltshire Council’s decision to refuse the controversial scheme would be overturned at the appeal.

People from of all political persuasions joined together to celebrate and praise Mr Pickles for recognising that Devizes could meet its quota of new homes without building on the fields.

MP Claire Perry said: “It is a triumph for localism. I asked the Secretary of State to look at this plan and he accepted the Devizes local plan had weight. People have worked so hard for this and I am delighted with the outcome.

“We need new homes but not on this site.”

Wiltshire councillor Laura Mayes said: “It is a fantastic decision and one we have worked together to achieve.”

Devizes town councillor Judy Rose said that when the appeal decision was delayed several times she began to gain more hope that it would be turned down.

She said: “I felt it meant our case was being reviewed at the top level.

“It really does show how important the Devizes neighbourhood plan is and how it can safeguard these sort of areas. I am just feeling amazing right now.”