THE Conservatives held on to Malvern Hills District Council but leader David Hughes lost his seat as planning rows hit home.

Residents in Alfrick and Lulsley launched a formal complaint over a planning matter involving former council leader Mr Hughes but despite police taking no further action, it was not enough to save his seat.

Speaking just after the result was announced, Mr Hughes said: “I’m looking forward to spending more time doing things that the job of leader didn’t leave time for, as its a twenty-fourseven job.

“My wife has recently retired and we’re looking forward to spending more time together and with our grandchildren.”

Sarah Rouse, the independent who won one of the Alfrick seats, said the people of Alfrick would be “delighted” at Mr Hughes’ demise.

Another Tory who was embroiled in a planning row, Roger Cousins, lost the Morton seat to Independent Mick Davies.

However, the Conservatives held firm overall following the general trend in the general and local elections nationwide.

Jubilant councillor Melanie Baker, who held on to her Chase seat, said: “We are very pleased that we retained control of the council. The victory is well deserved as all of the candidates worked extremely hard.

Meanwhile, another councillor who became involved with controversy, Clive Smith, lost his seat after 36 years, with one break.

Mr Smith, who switched from Lib Dem to Green during the previous administration, was banned from the council offices and his e-mail suspended after a row with former chief executive Chris Bocock over an allegation staff had been affected by his behaviour.

Mr Smith, whose ban was later rescinded, said: “I’m disappointed, but these things happen.

“I’ve still got the town council, and there’s plenty of other things to keep me busy. It’s not like being told you have six months to live.”

The Conservative administration will have to face the ongoing issue of the South Worcestershire Development Plan and its associated five-year housing list.

Critics say the failure of the council to ratify the plan has opened the door to opportunist developers who are pushing housing schemes that might have had a much smaller chance of success in other circumstances.

Residents throughout the district have been fighting hard at what they see as unjustified developments.

However, there was some cheer for well known Chinese takeaway owner Kwai Chan, who gained a Link seat for the Lib Dems.