VILLAGERS have won the day for businessman Ian Taylor and helped him to win a remarkable four year fight to clear a disused haulage yard and build a house.

In the ensuing years Mr Taylor has been constantly refused consent by Fenland District Council and on THREE occasions unsuccessfully took the refusal to a public inquiry.

But now the council has relented and approved his plans to demolish existing buildings at Fitton Lodge, Fitton End Road, Gorefield and replace them with housing.

Residents told the planning committee that the proposed use “is a better use than the existing haulage yard, will generate less traffic and will be more attractive”.

Officers claimed the proposed housing is outside of the development area boundary and would result in housing in countryside with no justification.

“The proposal has been refused on three separate occasions and this has been upheld each time by the Planning Inspectorate,” said a report to councillors.

The housing would “materially harm” the character of the countryside, the report claimed.

Councillors disagreed and approved the outline plans for the site.