Residents of Tewkesbury Road in Newent have won their battle to stop polytunnels being erected less than 50 metres from the boundaries of their homes.

New Town Farm had sought permission for a variation of existing planning conditions that allow the farm to site polytunnels no closer than 50m to the boundaries of properties off the country lane.

The idea was that new tunnels would be erected closer next year, including behind Plumtree Cottage, which is owned by protestor Nicholas Baker.

Mr Baker said he had received his letter on Monday, and was pleased by the Forest of Dean District Council planners' decision.

The farm had been seeking retrospective permission for polytunnels that already exist across the road from Plumtree Cottage and the fronts of three other properties.

Under the Forest of Dean ruling, those closer than 50m from property boundaries must be removed when the fruit is grubbed out, or by November 2005, whichever is the earliest.

The news was welcomed by Forest of Dean MP Diana Organ, who said: "I am very pleased that the planning committee took notice of the strength of feeling of those living near New Town Farm."