READERS of the Gazette will know that the controversial proposal for 21 houses at Clay Green Farm, Alfrick, was rejected at last Thursday's district council meeting.

As chairman of the local parish council I would like to put on record my thanks on behalf of the residents to a number of people who have supported us.

First, our local district councillor Anthony Warburton, who has been everything a district councillor should be – supportive and representing the views of those he was elected to serve.

As a small rural parish we could not have done all that was necessary without the support of the local residents association ably led by David Flanagan and Ian Smith.

We would also like to thank Sarah Rouse, who brought her great experience from her involvement Leigh Sinton planning applications.

Finally, our thanks to the councillors on the planning committee who had the courage to reject what was a deeply flawed attempt to exploit the lax government guidelines and the failure of Malvern Hills District Council planners to provide either a five-year land supply or an approved South Worcestershire Development Plan.

We understand that an appeal is likely and the process not over, but we will enjoy the first victory.

Louise Randall

Alfrick