RESIDENTS in two parts of Rossendale were celebrating today after controversial development plans were scrapped.

People-power paid off in Helmshore when the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister dismissed plans to develop the former Airtours site for housing.

And at the same time the Hurstwood Group announced it had withdrawn proposals to transform Kearns Mill, Cowpe, into apartments.

The Rawtenstall development company, which wanted to build 18 flats and 28 houses at the former wool dyeing mill, is now focusing on bringing industry back.

Group commercial director Dominic Fussell said: "The company has made a substantial investment in Kearns Mill and, like any business, we need to see some return on our outlay. In short, this means getting as many tenants into the building as possible.

"This will inevitably involve industrial uses not ideal for the surrounding residents because of traffic issues and noise."

He added: "We intend keeping open the dialogue with the community and leave open the possibility of submitting residential plans at a later date."

Cowpe resident Michael Fuller said: "This is good news for the residents as the development was totally out of keeping for the area."

In Helmshore, Manchester developers Bellway Homes Ltd and Manchester Land and Buildings Ltd have already submitted a revised application for the Holmefield site.

The Inspector's reasons for refusal were:

Insufficient evidence to show whether the loss to employment uses would harm the economy

Uncertainties about future bus services were inadequately addressed

Housing would add unnecessarily to the short-term supply of housing land

A Bellway spokesman said: "The conclusions regarding loss of employment land is surprising given that it could be argued that housing would equally stimulate the local economy, and some employment uses were included."