Campaigners who branded plans to bulldoze the former home of famous writer and philosopher G K Chesterton and replace it with flats "shameful" are celebrating after the proposals were thrown out.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton, best known for the Father Brown detective novels, moved to Beaconsfield with his wife Frances in 1909 and lived in Grove Road until his death in 1937 – first at Over Roads and then across the road at Top Meadow.

But Over Roads, to which fans of the prolific writer flock every year, was facing being knocked down and replaced with nine apartments, according to plans sent to South Bucks District Council.

The idea provoked outrage from Chesterton fans and followers from across the world who branded the move "insane" - but South Bucks District Council has now refused the plans.

Council officers said the size and scale of the proposed apartment block would not be "compatible" with the character of the area, adding that it would be "intrusive".

They also said it would "adversely impact" the other former home of G K Chesterton, Top Meadow, which is Grade II listed and sits opposite.

Officers added that the developers had not proved how the apartment block would cope with the risk of flooding, had not thought about protected trees on the site, and did not provide any affordable housing.

They also said bin lorries would not be able to get into the development safely to collect rubbish.