Rejected plans to build more than 1,000 homes on Walton green belt land have taken another blow after the government refused an appeal from the developers.

The Drake Park "garden village" was proposed by developer Bonnar Allan, and Elmbridge borough councillors unanimously denied planning permission in May 2017.

Bonnar Allan appealed to the planning inspectorate, and a two-week hearing took place in November.

Now, six months later, and following a delay until after the local elections, secretary of state James Brokenshire has written to Bonnar Allan to reject the appeal.

New leader of Elmbridge Council Tim Oliver said he was "delighted" with the council's decision being upheld.

He said: "To have allowed it would have been contrary to both national planning policy as well as the council’s own planning policies. The application site is on a critical piece of Elmbridge’s green belt, which it is our duty to protect - and protect it we have.

"I would like to thank all the local residents and community groups who played a crucial role in supporting the council’s position on this appeal."

One such resident is Mick Flannagan, who lives in nearby Rydens Road.

He said: "I'm obviously delighted with the news, and I feel considerable relief, because the outgoing secretary of state Sajid Javid had made it quite plain that he was fed up with nimby councils not approving enough housing.

"But I have got an email inbox with euphoric and very relieved messages. The community has been living in dread. It's been like the sword of Damocles hanging over us."

Plans were to build 1,024 homes, half of them "affordable", on 47 acres of green belt land east of Molesey Road and south of Field Common Lane, as well as a primary school, doctor's surgery, dentist's, supermarket and offices.

Bonnar Allan still thinks the development is the best option to provide new homes in the borough.

Managing director Nigel Rankine said: “The complexity of the inspector’s report means that we shall be studying it in some detail and considering all options.

"Now that both the inspector and the secretary of state have confirmed that the scale of housing need is considerably in excess of that previously assumed, and everyone has agreed that it can only be accommodated on green belt, we are still firmly of opinion that the Drake Park scheme will compare favourably with any other sites which must now be identified to meet housing needs and, thus, can play a very valuable role in meeting those needs in a timely manner.”