PLANS to build more than 350 homes on land at Grange Farm in Hartford, have been scrapped at the last minute.

In a dramatic U-turn on Monday, Redrow Homes withdrew its application for the 45-acre farmland site off Chester Road - just 24 hours before Vale Royal Borough Council was expected to refuse the proposals.

The company has also shelved plans for 136 houses on land next to Chester Road and Forest Road, in Cuddington, which had been recommended for refusal by council planning officers.

News about Grange Farm has been welcomed by Hartford Parish Council and Hartford Village Trust, who have fought against the development.

Trustee Dick Finnis said: "It's very good news that Redrow Homes have withdrawn their planning application for Grange Farm.

"It's also very good news that Vale Royal Borough Council's planning department had recommended refusal for fundamental strategic reasons. Hartford Village Trust congratulates them and thanks all the people of Hartford for their support."

A spokesman for Redrow Homes (North West), said: "The company has taken the decision to re-evaluate its position in regard to both applications and it is too early to comment any further."