A PLANNING application that could have seen 53 new homes built in Leigh Sinton has been thrown out, while another for 10 houses elsewhere in the village has been given the go-ahead.

The two applications for 53 homes off Kiln Lane and 10 off Hop Pole Green – both on green field sites – came before Malvern Hills District Council’s northern development management committee on Wednesday.

The committee heard the Hop Pole Green application had been deferred from October’s meeting in an attempt to allow applicant Lady Christabel Flight, wife of former Tory MP Howard Flight, to engage in more consultation with residents. But this had not been forthcoming and she had since lodged a non-determination appeal with the planning inspectorate.

Leigh and Bransford Parish Council’s vice-chairman Stephen Seymour described the application as “an insult”

and said he was concerned the proposed road layout would not be large enough for large vehicles such as bin lorries. “We need good quality, affordable homes with ample parking,” he said Speaking against the Kiln Lane application, he said he had serious concerns about the capacity of the sewage system as well as the access to the site.

He said: “It appears now landowners and developers can do whatever they like. So much for localism.”

Resident Barbara Davies said she was strongly opposed to the Hop Pole Green application and was concerned the council’s lack of a five-year land supply meant there was now a “free for all” for developers and landowners.

“We live in the community and consequently live with the results,” she said.

“If this application is granted along with Kiln Lane and another application in the pipeline, Leigh Sinton will increase in size by nearly a third, leaving a much enlarged village without any centre or identity.”

Ward member Coun David Hughes said if the Hop Pole Green application was refused it would almost certainly be overturned on appeal.

“I find it extremely disappointing the developers have not taken the opportunity we have given them by engaging with the local community,”

he said. He said although he did not personally approve of the Kiln Lane application, he felt there was little alternative but to approve it.

“It’s not something I’m proud of and it’s not something I want to do,” he said.

Speaking against the Kiln Lane application, resident Les Williamson said the new site was in a “significant gap” between surrounding homes. “If this goes ahead, residents will instead be living in the middle of the largest housing estate in Leigh Sinton,” he said.

Members approved the Hop Pole Green application but refused Kiln Lane by one vote.