A VITAL blueprint earmarking land for 28,370 homes across south Worcestershire has been officially endorsed by Worcester City Council - marking the end of a decade's controversy.

The South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) was voted through by all but a handful of city councillors last night - with the political parties hailing the end of a "torturous" journey.

Several councillors spoke passionately on just how vital the plan is - with a former council leader saying it will be crucial in helping Worcester's economy.

But the endorsement of the plan did lead to severe criticism over the process, with one Labour politician accusing an unelected inspector of "playing Minecraft with people's lives".

The final version of the SWDP, which also covers Malvern and Wychavon, features room for an extra 6,000 houses after an inspector decided the old figure of 22,300 properties by 2030 was not enough.

Labour group leader Councillor Adrian Gregson, who ran the council in 2013/14, said: "It's important for the wider world to understand this is an area where there's agreement across the political divide.

"The worry, concern, anxiety about not having the ability to decide where development goes makes this extremely important.

"It really does give us a driving force to recognise two key issues - firstly the real need for affordable housing and secondly, the economy."

He said he felt the plan does not allow "unfettered development" and urged the planning committee to make "courageous, bold decisions" on the sites within it.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, the council's new leader, called it a "torturous process" to get there but insisted "the dangers of not having a plan" were too great.

"Unless you've got a plan many more sites, historic and precious, would be at risk," he said.

Labour Councillor Richard Boorn, said he was dismayed an unelected inspector had the final say, likening it to "playing Minecraft" with people's lives.

Green Councillor Neil Laurenson voted against it, citing environmental concerns, while Tory Councillor Mike Whitehouse abstained, saying before he got elected he made that promise to Claines voters.

St John's councillors Matt Lamb and Chris Cawthorne also abstained but the rest nodded it through.

Councillors in Malvern have also voted the SWDP in, with Wychavon set to do the same tonight.

The plan also includes land for 25,000 jobs spread across 309 hectares of land.

Worcester is taking more than 9,400 properties including two major extensions, one which will be south of the city on fields off Crookbarrow Way in a £400 million 2,600-home 'super village' including a school, doctor's surgery and parks.

There will also be a so-called 'west Worcester urban extension' of 2,150 properties at Temple Laugherne, near Lower Broadheath featuring a primary school and business park.

Malvern is taking more than 5,900 homes while Wychavon is taking over 10,000.