WEDDINGTON, N.C. -- Developers of a huge new community in Weddington will start from scratch.

On Thursday, the town council unanimously voted down a permit that would allow "The Woods" development to have its own state-of-the-art sewer plant.

It’s been a highly controversial issue for more than a month now. Neighbors argued the plant would decrease property values and could contaminate the local soil.

After a long fight, neighbors were relieved to hear the council vote.

"I'm just thrilled and very surprised it was unanimous; my heart was just like that," said neighbor Linda Dowdle.

The developer said he's still intent on building the community.

"As early as tomorrow morning I'll be sitting down with the engineers, to begin to evaluate other options," said developer Philip Walton.