A GIANT quarry planned for rural South Oxfordshire has been refused planning permission, despite a last ditch attempt to save the project.

Councillors on Oxfordshire County Council's planning committee turned against the sand and gravel extraction site on the Thames near Clifton Hampden despite officers backtracking on road safety concerns.

The highways department’s chief engineer Geoffrey Arnold had urged the committee to reject the quarry on the grounds of safety, congestion and pollution.

But in the days before today's meeting, Hills Quarry Products agreed a deal to ban lorry movements during the morning and evening rush hours, a move that satisfied Mr Arnold.

Despite the last minute change in recommendation, councillors ignored the new advice and refused to grant permission to the project which would be the size of 165 football pitches.

Councillors cited continuing concerns about road safety and the fact that the development could hinder plans for new housing and development as reasons for rejecting the plan.

There was also not enough justification for building on green belt land.

Giles Baxter, the spokesman for Bachport who has campaigned against the development for three years, said: "We are delighted that councillors have listened to the arguments put forward and refused to back a quarry that there was never any need for."

Monique Hayes, the spokeswoman for Hills Quarry Products, said: "Hills Quarry Products is extremely disappointed by the Planning Committee’s decision to refuse planning permission for Fullamoor Quarry. 

"Our application was robust and had addressed all relevant concerns raised by consultees. 

"We believe the construction materials contained within Fullamoor Quarry to be essential for future local development and will now take time to consider the situation before making a decision on the way forward."