PLANS to build 30 new homes in a village near Worcester have been rejected by the council.

Developer Terra wanted to build the homes off Upton Road, but Malvern Hills District Council has refused permission.

This is because the council fears it could negatively impact the rural surroundings of the area.

In the plans, the developers wanted to build a mixture of one and two storey homes, some detached and some semi-detached.

Despite their claims to the contrary, council reports said the development would have a harmful impact on the landscape.

The decision report, published on January 21, said: "The proposed development would provide some economic and social benefits, including short term employment during construction and the use of local services.

"In environmental terms the proposal would result in a demonstrably adverse impact that comes from its harmful urban encroachment into the open countryside at this location and the harm to the landscape and the character and appearance of the area.

"It would lead to the removal of established roadside vegetation which plays an important role in defining the character of the area."

The site, located just off Upton Road, is a 2.34 hectare area of green fields.

It is to the east of Upton Road and to the south of Upper Ferry Lane, sloping upwards in a southerly direction.

Terra's design and access statement called the proposed site "A high quality scheme that complements and enhances the character of Callow End village and its surroundings.

"A scheme which provides opportunities for new build properties to meet the specific demands of the area."

Despite this, a large number of responses were received, including from Powick Parish Council, which said the site was located outside the settlement boundary, was not in the South Worcestershire Development Plan and that access to the site was a concern, given its proximity to a busy main road.

Despite there being a meeting of the council's Southern Area Planning Committee on January 19, the refusal was not seen by the committee.

Instead, it was dealt with by planning services manager Duncan Rudge.

The plans can be viewed in full at plan.malvernhills.gov.uk/Planning/Display/21/01719/OUT