Plans for 285 homes in Keynsham are rejected

Controversial plans to build 285 homes on greenbelt land near Bristol have been rejected.

The building firm Taylor Wimpey also wanted to put shops and offices on the site in Keynsham.

Planning officers had recommended that the Conservative-led Bath and North East Somerset (Banes) Council approved the plans.

But the proposals were rejected by councillors at a meeting earlier.

The plans had sparked protests among some residents who said the access road was "inadequate".

Alan Hale, a Conservative councillor for Keynsham, said the rejection was "very pleasing".

"I think it's an excellent result that's been achieved by the community coming together," he said.

"They've worked hard to stand up against this application."

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said the company was disappointed at the outcome of the meeting.

"We are now considering our options regarding next steps," he added.