Newark & Sherwood district councillors threw out plans by Carter Construction to build on the former premises of TP Ulyett Landscapes Ltd, on Main Street.

The application included plans to construct a three-storey block of 12 apartments and a two-storey block of four apartments –– but nearby residents strongly opposed the development.

Nine letters and a petition signed by 57 people were passed onto councillors at a meeting last week, with concerns being raised over the size and design of the proposal.

Residents feared the apartments were not in keeping with the surrounding area, would reduce light overlooking adjacent properties and increase traffic.

Blidworth parish councillor Yvonne Woodhead spoke on behalf of residents and told councillors that a three-storey building would look out of place in the village.

After the meeting, Coun Woodhead told Chad that although the area should be re-developed, the current proposal was not appropriate.

"We are in danger of losing our identity, I think three-storey buildings are for towns and not villages," she said.

"I hope the developers have listened and will come back with more suitable plans, it was outrageous really, the three-storey building was at the top of the hill."