Devizes MP Claire Perry has described the decision to refuse an appeal over plans for 350 homes at Coate Bridge as a 'triumph for localism'.

Yesterday Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, announced that he has rejected an appeal by developers Mactaggart and Mickel for planning permission for 350 homes.

Wiltshire Council refused permission for the controversial scheme but it was feared Mactaggart and Mickel would win on appeal as the council’s own officers recommended the scheme for approval.

Mr Pickles said the proposed development did not conform to the detailed development work in the Devizes Area Neighbourhood Plan.

Although the Plan is still in draft form, he felt it had progressed sufficiently and was detailed enough to carry significant weight in his decision.

Mrs Perry said: "The decision follows months of campaigning by local people led by Coun Laura Mayes, Wiltshire councillor for Roundway, who have worked so hard to get the Neighbourhood Plan to an advanced and detailed state.

"The proposal to build hundreds of houses on the Coate Bridge site did not conform to the carefully-developed Neighbourhood Plan for Devizes which has specified in much detail many other suitable sites for housing in our growing town.

"That is why I asked Eric Pickles to look at the appeal made against Wiltshire Council’s decision to turn this development down and I am delighted that he agrees that the Local Plan carries enough weight to stop this development."

In a statement, headed with yesterday's date, she said: "We desperately need – and are building – new houses all over Wiltshire, but localism means we now have a say in where they go – today’s decision is a triumph for localism.”