OPPONENTS are celebrating after developers lost a planning appeal to revive a controversial proposal to build a four storey block of flats at The Groves.

Campaigners had feared the Planning Inspectorate might uphold the appeal by Delamere Palentine because representations were not allowed and the public could not attend the hearing.

The appeal followed the scheme’s unanimous rejection by city councillors against the advice of officers who pointed to the “outstanding quality of the design” of the two commercial units topped by 18 apartments in a three-storey block and including a green sedum roof.

Dismissing the appeal, planning inspector Neil Holt’s detailed statement, pointed out: “The riverside area between the City Walls and Queens Park Bridge has a distinct Victorian/Edwardian character with its bandstand and kiosks.

“I appreciate the scheme was developed with the council officers’ support. However, the residential element of the proposal would appear as an intrusive and damaging feature.”

In conclusion Mr Holt added: “I do not consider the benefits of the scheme outweigh the harm I have identified. Consequently the appeal should be dismissed.”

Campaign member Paul Eeles, owner of the Riverside Takeaway at The Groves, was elated.

He said: “I was genuinely sickened when I heard this appeal could be referred to the Planning Inspectorate’s Bristol HQ with no legal requirement that there would even be a visit to see the site.

“I feared the worst. The proposal was an appalling blight on our beautiful Victorian promenade. But this is a fantastic result for people who love this city for the things which make it special.

“I can’t thank our supporters enough and I particularly valued the advice of our specialist environmental consultant John Foster.

“John very sadly died before we got to the end of the campaign but his work has made sure that the joy of the evening’s dappled sunlight in the Groves will not be forever lost behind a glass and steel tower block.”