BUILDERS will not be allowed to take any more of Warrington's green belt land - thanks to a Government ruling.

Many acres of beautiful countryside have been protected after a 'hands-off' warning was issued to developers.

This week's decision follows a six-month public inquiry and has left residents jubilant.

Norman Frogatt, chairman of Grappenhall and Thelwall Residents' Association, which lobbied on behalf of Thelwall Heys, said: "A lot of people have worked really hard to secure the future of green fields and farm land like this. This is fantastic news for Warrington."

The news was also welcomed by Warrington Borough Council, which can now go full steam ahead with its Omega plans - which would bring thousands of jobs and millions of pounds worth of investment - rather than spending so much time warding off developers in other areas.

Clr Terry O'Neill, the borough council's executive member for sustainable regeneration, said: "Returning safeguarded land back to green belt status is incredibly important and, now our countryside is protected, we can continue to concentrate on regenerating the older areas of the town and prime investment sites such as Omega.

"This will have huge potential to bring about greater opportunities and employment to all areas of our town, but particularly to our inner wards.

"It is vital we ensure that people in these communities, including skilled workers and businesses, are given the opportunity to reap the rewards from major schemes such as this and we are committed to ensuring they can do so."

The Government planning inspector announced his decision after last year's inquiry looked at all aspects of the town's unitary development plan (UDP).

It means areas marked as green belt can now be preserved and the perimeter of the town can be guarded against yet more building.

Areas to be protected include Thelwall Heys, Hall Nook in Penketh and Peel Hall.

Controversial schemes, such as that to build 200 homes at Oughtrington Lane and Longbutt Lane in Lymm which is currently being debated, would be avoided if developers tried to force them through now.

Copies of the report will be made public from Monday and the recommendations will now be considered by the executive board, and will have to go out to consultation before they are finally approved.