A CONTROVERSIAL concrete plant proposal for land adjacent to a rural village has been thrown out by planning chiefs.

L&W Wilson had applied for permission to construct and run the industrial operation on land at Ore Mill Sidings near Lindal.

But after a long process which sparked huge public outcry, South Lakeland District Council has refused permission for the venture.

Jubilant campaigners - who fought a long campaign against the proposals - have spoken of their delight.

Lindal and Marton Parish Council clerk, Jack Smith, said: "It's been a long, hard and, at times, a worrying battle during these last 12 months, with the applicant having had the benefit of professional advisers to assist him in contrast to us amateurs, and to be realistic, we should say that the battle isn't necessarily over yet.

"There may be an appeal and we'll then have to decide how to cope with that.

"However, for the moment, we can revel in the knowledge that the efforts of the community have triumphed over 'big business'."

Plans for the concrete batching plant were first submitted in June 2016 and included a proposal for two 12-metre silos. The proposed operating hours were 7am until 7pm on weekdays and from 7am until 1pm on Saturdays.

A community consultation process began which sparked scores of responses from local residents who opposed the plans. A series of public meetings organised by the parish council attracted upwards of 100 people.

Residents claimed the area was unsuitable for the development, while the A590 would be unable to cope with the additional traffic.

Mr Smith said: "A great big thank you is due to all those who took the time and trouble to write to SLDC to object to this application, from those who simply said it wasn't wanted, to those who gave detailed reasons as to why the application was inappropriate and unacceptable.

"It was all extremely important in helping to tip the scales in our favour, especially in the light of Highways England's decision to accept monstrous juggernauts going in and out of the site at that particular part of the A590, a decision which will remain one of life's mysteries for ever."