CAMPAIGNERS against plans for 1,200 homes in Sebastopol said they are ready to carry on their fight if the developers decide to lodge an appeal.

Torfaen council threw out plans for the houses to be built on farm and woodland near Cwmbran Drive in south Sebastopol on Thursday night during a heated, extraordinary council meeting at County Hall.

There were 13 votes for and 21 against the fresh application made by a consortium of developers including Barratt Homes, the Welsh Development Agency, Asbri Planning and Crest Strategic Projects Ltd.

Robin Williams from Asbri Planning Ltd said yesterday there was a "strong likelihood" an appeal will be lodged but that it wants to see the decision notice before deciding on its strategy.

The campaigners, who packed out the public gallery during the four-hour meeting, were delighted with the result and commended councillors who had spoken in their favour.

Local resident Viv Thomas said: "I commend them for their efforts. They've made a lot of people very, very happy."

Carole Jacob, from Friends of the Earth Torfaen, has been involved in the campaign for the last 15 years.

She said: "Common sense has prevailed. It's a big step in the right direction."

Campaigner Corinne Jones added: "We've now got to concentrate on the next step. I don't think this will be the end but knowing we've got the good majority of the council who don't think it's the right thing for Torfaen is heartening."

Following the vote, a motion was passed recommending the grounds on which the refusal of the application would be made.

It included highways, transport, access and circulation issues and issues surrounding green wedges of land.

The matter will now be bought back before councillors at a later date for them to receive a further report on the reasons for refusal.

A DECISION was expected to be made on the refreshed planning application at a Torfaen council meeting on July 5 but was put off because of confusion as to whether some councillors should vote.

Six councillors had declared an interest in the proposals because they are voluntary members on local bodies such as school boards, which could be affected by the development.

This was resolved on Thursday and only councillors Jeff Rees and Maria Graham left the council chamber because of a close association with someone living near the site.

Cllr Mary Barnett was also unable to vote after applying to speak at the meeting on behalf of Upper Cwmbran residents.