A PROPOSAL for housing development in Malvern Wells has been dropped in the latest version of the Worcestershire's controversial planning blueprint, released this week.

The South Worcestershire Development Plan, which has been the subject of heated debate in recent years, is now expected to be signed off early next year.

In its latest form, plans to allocate land off Green Lane in the Wells, formerly used as playing fields, for 35 homes, have been dropped.

Planning inspector Roger Clews, who prepared the report, made the decision to drop the proposal because of its impact on the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

However, all the other residential allocations in the Malvern urban area have been retained, although the site at the former allotments at Lower Howsell Road has been combined with another on Lower Howsell Road, so that its allocation is increased to 110 homes.

Also retained is the QinetiQ site between St Andrew's Road and Poolbrook Road, where land no longer needed by the technology company is allocated for 300 homes and 4.5 hectares of employment land.

The 800-home development at Newland on the edge of Malvern, described as a "strategic urban extension", is confirmed, as are all the village sites previously earmarked, with many already having been granted planning permission.

Gary Williams, head of planning and housing at Malvern Hills, said: “We believe the proposed changes reflect the outcomes from the hearing sessions and the views of the inspector based on the vast amount of evidence and arguments he has heard.

"The inspector was clear in the hearings it is up to the South Worcestershire councils to bring forward changes that will ensure the plan is sound.

"It is now up to council to decide whether or not to accept these recommendations. Our aim remains to have the plan signed off by the inspector early next year, which will give us a sustainable blueprint for future housing development across South Worcestershire.”

The plan will be put to councillors on Tuesday, September 22, and will be subject to a public consultation running from Friday, October 9, to Friday, November 20.