Housing plan for Newmarket thrown out by council

Plans for a controversial housing development in Newmarket, Suffolk, have been thrown out by the local council.

Racehorse owner Lord Derby wanted to build about 1,200 houses, a hotel, park and ride scheme and a retail park on the 160-acre Hatchfield Farm site.

Campaigners against the development said it would drive away the horse-racing industry.

Forest Heath district councillors voted against the plans at a meeting on Wednesday night.

Previously racehorse trainers said the extra traffic would make it unsafe for the 3,000 horses that cross Newmarket's roads each day.

The meeting at the council building was so busy some people had to wait outside.