A proposed new town in Cambridgeshire has been turned down by the government.
Developer Multiplex had hoped to build 5,000 homes just off the A10 near the villages of Stretham and Wilburton.
The proposal for the new town of Mereham was opposed by the county council and 10,000 local residents who signed a petition against it.
Multiplex said it was a disappointing decision given the difficulties bringing forward other key sites in Cambridgeshire.
Matt Bradney, of the county council, said: "The decision to reject Mereham is fantastic news for the whole of Cambridgeshire.
"It would have completely destroyed the lives of the thousands of residents in East Cambridgeshire and created havoc on the already congested A10.
"What this decision goes to show is local people can make a difference when they come together"
"The plans that I have seen of it were absolutely staggering.
"The developer suggested 5,000 homes would have had little affect on the road network which if you know the area is amazing.
"What this decision goes to show is local people can make a difference when they come together."
Earlier this week proposals for an 8,000-home new town at Hanley Grange near Duxford were abandoned after supermarket giant Tesco pulled out.
Mr Bradney added: "Ultimately I hope the end of Mereham and the recent decision by Tesco to pull Hanley Grange out of the eco town process will be the final death nail to attempts by developers to force through schemes which aren't needed or wanted."
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