Plans to build 600 homes on the Ulster University site at Jordanstown have been officially rejected by planners.
University bosses had wanted to build new homes and provide office space on the sprawling Co Antrim site.
However, planners have rejected the blueprint in a move rubber stamped by local councillors earlier this week.
Just last week the Irish News revealed that planning officials at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council had decided to refuse the development plans.
As well as building new homes on the site, developers wanted to create a village centre incorporating retail, office and service facilities.
There were also plans to build a research and development park on playing fields.
The site is due to become vacant when the university moves to new premises close to Belfast city centre in 2018.
East Antrim Alliance Party assembly member Stewart Dickson said the development was “ not appropriate” for the site.
In a statement Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said: “It was considered that the development as proposed would have a negative impact on the parkland setting at the University site,
would reduce the level of planned open space and result in the loss of a significant number of protected trees at the site.
“It was determined that all of these factors would adversely affect the character, amenity value and biodiversity of the site.”
