A TV show broadcast a heated council meeting addressed by Olympic hero Sir Steve Redgrave where his sports institute and linked Chester Student Village plan were ultimately rejected.

BBC2’s Permission Impossible: Britain’s Planners followed supporters and opponents on their journey right up until the town hall meeting where Cheshire West and Chester Council overwhelmingly refused the application earmarked for green belt land between Blacon and Mollington.

Supporter Avril Coady was filmed telling the meeting: “Chester city is at a tipping point. The deterioration in parts of the city over the last decade have been caused primarily by the increasing numbers of students living alongside permanent residents who have had to deal with anti-social behaviour, disruptive street noise, parking problems, verbal abuse.

“How far does this deterioration have to go before the university and the city realise that a student village would address many of these issues?”

But opponent Ruth Shaw countered: “Green belt land is a priceless asset to the United Kingdom and given the fact we are a small country with a large population it is vital that we preserve open spaces.”

Cameras focused on Sir Steve himself, who told councillors: “The Redgrave Institute is my vision for integrated sport delivery for aspiring elite athletes, students, community and our children. Chester is where I want my institute to be based, it’s a good place, good people, who care. I think we can do something special in Chester.”

The series also featured an ongoing a campaign, led by Nigel Gilding, against a holiday development at Delamere Forest will goes to public inquiry at the council chamber in Winsford on June 17.