Villagers applauded as Solihull planners turned down a scheme to build more than 100 homes on green belt land in Hampton in Arden.

But they now face an anxious wait to see if applicant Cityheart will appeal the decision to the government inspectorate.

Residents spilled out to the street from the waiting area at the Civic Suite ahead of the planning committee meeting held on November 4.

When it got underway officers told the committee they had judged the land to be grey belt – green belt suitable for development – and were recommending the scheme be approved.

The applicant's proposal was for 130 homes on land off Old Station Road to the north of the village.

In a public consultation more than 80 residents objected and a 36 signature petition was handed into the council.

In the public speaking section a number of objectors spoke against the scheme saying it was not in a sustainable location and it would be "car dependent" housing estate.

A statement was read out from Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti who said: "I wanted to reiterate my objection and re-enforce the concerns I have previously raised.

"The scale of the development would overwhelm local infrastructure including schools and healthcare services.

"Hampton in Arden is an historic village with a distinct rural character – the proposed development would erode the village's identity."

Meriden and Arden councillor Jane Lamden added: "Housing is needed but development must be in the right location and supported by the necessary infrastructure."

Andrew Johnston, from planning agents Made it Together speaking on behalf of the applicant, said: "I want to recognise the strength of feeling from the residents and councillors – I understand the proposals would change their surroundings.

"There are though very strong planning grounds to approve this outline application.

"The site meets the golden rules, it is not inappropriate development in the green belt.

"If approved the applicant would contribute over £2.2m towards education, healthcare and playing pitches.

"This is a sustainable location for housing."

In the debate councillors highlighted the distances to local amenities saying it appeared to not comply with council policies.

Cllr Simon Coles said: "Bus stop 900 metres away, train station 1,200 metres away, food store 1,700m away and so on."

Officer Kim Allen quoted the national policy which said that it should be a sustainable location or "made sustainable" through improvements.

"The framework also acknowledges rural locations can not be expected to enjoy the same accessibility of urban locations," the officer added.

Cllr Michael James said: "To have 130 dwellings in an area – pretty much a country lane it seems impractical, the wrong area."

Chairman of the committee Cllr Bob Grinsell said: "Old Station Road is a cul-de-sac in its own right, you can't go beyond the end of it you have to turn round.

"130 houses, possibly 200 cars all egressing at similar times of the day where they have to turn one way only.

"The junction that heads towards Meriden – that is a very difficult junction to get out of anyway."

Cllr Yvonne Clements later raised the pressure on schools.

Officer Kim Allen said: "George Fentham, the primary school in the village – that school has places within it.

"Twenty per cent of children that go to that school are outside of catchment. If these houses were to be built they would be inside the catchment and take priority."

Officer Mark Andrews also highlighted a similar development for 95 homes in Balsall Common had been turned down by planners but was later overturned on appeal.

And the council's legal adviser Arhamna Jafri said: "If this was to go to appeal it would be difficult to defend when highways are not objecting – given the past inspectors view.

"If it were to go to appeal it would cost the council."

But when the chairman moved to the vote councillors unanimously voted against the scheme.

"The application is refused," the chairman said which then led to applause from residents who had packed the public gallery.