CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating their biggest victory yet after Swale Council voted 8-6 to throw out the Abbey Farm development on the outskirts of Faversham.

Planning committee members ignored their officers' advice and refused to grant permission for the 180 homes, business park and nature conservation park on the 275 acre site.

"I am over the moon," said Ernie Warner, chairman of Save Abbey Farm. "The war is not over yet but this is a very significant victory. I am more optimistic that we will win than I have ever been."

Griselda Mussett, who has repeatedly spoken out against the development, said her biggest feeling was one of relief. "I was just sorry that the vote was so close and that the committee did not more strongly endorse our views, because our case is irrefutable," she said.

Councillors turned down the development on two planning grounds: that the extra 80 houses at the back of Mill Field were on an unallocated greenfield site and that part of the business park was at risk of flooding.

The developers, Abbey Park Holdings, have six months in which to appeal against the decision.