RESIDENTS in Howley are once again celebrating another victory against high-rise developments near their homes.

Last year they saw off an appeal by Mr R Walsh and Watkin Jones and Son Ltd for two high rise blocks of 77 flats that would be 12 storeys high.

But the same group had put in another appeal request for 97 one and two-bedroom flats on the same Howley Quay site.

The appeal was turned down by a Government inspector who deemed that, due to the above average level of development in Warrington already, more property developments were not suitable.

Ruth MacKenzie, the inspector ruling over the case, said: "Warrington Borough Council's Housing Land Report 2006 shows that by 2016 there will be an oversupply of housing equivalent to 14 years supply.

"It is therefore clear to me that there is a substantial surplus of housing in Warrington, and that the additional 20 apartments would add unnecessarily to it."

Residents have battled fervently against the plans to turn Howley Quay into a mecca for high rise apartment buildings along the River Mersey.

Councillor Yvonne Fovargue (Fairfield and Howley LAB), said: "I am very pleased that once again the inspector has supported residents in Howley.

"It is clear to everybody in the town that the number of new homes and apartment blocks far outstrips the agreed figures for new housing in Warrington.

"Apartment blocks are not critical to the regeneration of Howley - the sooner developers realise this the better."