A Suffolk town is said to be "delighted" after an appeal to build more than 200 new homes was dismissed.

Among many other reasons, the planning inspector found that the application for 279 new homes off Barking Road in Needham Market would place too much pressure on local services, as well as create noise and pollution.

The decision notice was issued on Friday, March 31, after an eight-day public inquiry in February by Planning Inspector Anne Jordan.

Needham Market Town Councillor Martin O’Shea said the town was "delighted" with the decision.

Mr O'Shea said: "We have a neighbourhood plan in Needham Market in place, and the planning inspector made a number of references to it in her decision notice. We were pleased by that because that means that what the residents feel about their town has been taken into account.

"I think this will form a precedent. The costs were awarded against the applicant which is quite unusual, but it is a sign of how strongly the inspector felt.

"Anyone will have to think about the likelihood of an appeal being rejected and the costs of it when wanting to build new houses in Needham Market."

The application was made by Parker Planning Services on behalf of landowners David Willis, Marlene Perry, and Michael Watson.

It was originally rejected by Mid Suffolk District Council in April over fears of flooding, but an appeal against the decision was lodged in October. It received more than 100 public objections.

Mid Suffolk District Council also welcomed the decision.

A council spokesperson said: “We welcome the conclusion of the Planning Inspectorate and we are glad they have agreed with our original decision. As the planning authority we make every determination on the merits of the application before us, as we did here.

“We want to see homes built for residents in our district in the right place, at the right time, and with the services they need nearby.

"It is a careful balancing act and we appreciate that members of the community took time and effort to participate and make their feelings known in this case.”

The applicants have been approached for comment.