AFTER the public hearing held at Cross Ash village hall by the Planning Inspectorate, the appointed inspector has decided to dismiss the appeal to build houses on a children's playing field behind the houses.

The battle began back in July 2009, when a surprise application to build four houses on the site was brought to the attention of the Llangattock Vibon Avel community council by a local resident who spotted the site notice.

Two days later, the clerk, Roy Nicholas, received a letter from Monmouthshire County Council describing the area as being open countryside with 'vacant possession'.