More than 20 Kendal residents have been celebrating with champagne after an unexpected victory against a large company's plans to chop down their trees.

The group fought hard to block United Utilities' plans to build on open space to the south of Elmhurst' on Brigsteer Road.

David Lawson, who lives on Brigsteer Road, said he was absolutely delighted: "We thought we didn't stand a chance. My wife just couldn't believe it."

The plans involved cutting down two old Japanese maples to make room for a four-house terrace.

The group of residents principally objected to the development on the grounds of loss of open space as well as the plans not matching the surrounding architecture.

South Lakeland District Council initially blocked the planning application but UU appealed. The Government-appointed planning inspector has now dismissed that appeal.

Stephen Appleby, of Kendal Civic Society, which objected to the plans, said the group was pleased a precedent for infilling development had been avoided.

Patricia White, who lobbied against the plans, said: "The whole neighbourhood must be delighted."

Mr Lawson said: "The bottom of our garden would have had a huge block right across it, cutting out the view. From here I can see the train coming over Shap. That would have gone."

The inspector, Philip Crookes, in his appeal decision, noted the site lay in the Kendal Conservation Area and said the building would affect "the character and appearance" of the area.

He added: "I find the latter to represent a serious and compelling objection to the development."

When they heard the news, the Lawsons organised a party for everyone involved. Someone who could not be there sent a magnum of champagne.

Mr Lawson said they had not been at all confident about the result. He added one of the key points in their favour was a letter from the chairman of United Utilities read out at the meeting.

Mr Lawson said the letter stated the firm only wanted permission to build on the site and never intended to do so: "The architect just put his head in his hands at that stage."

He added he hoped the land that has been fought over for development three times would now remain open space.