County planners have rejected a scheme to build 37 homes in Colwall due to its impact on the Malvern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty.
Andrew Cockayne wanted to develop the new estate on land off Mill Lane.
Some 76 people had supported the plans which included around 16 affordable homes.
However, Colwall parish council along with 26 people objected to the scheme.
The parish council said the scheme went against the neighbourhood plan.
Parish clerk Karen Davis told today’s (October 13) planning committee meeting that the NDP has finally reached the examination stage after seven years of work and spending £36,000.
She asked the planning committee to reject the housing scheme.
Local resident Jeremy Denham Vaughan said his primary objection was one of local democracy.
“This proposal falls outside of the plan and the agreed settlement boundary,” he said.
“I believe it’s for that reason Colwall parish council have strongly objected to this development.”
Ward councillor Tony Johnson called on the committee to approve the scheme as the village needs to meet its housing target.
“Colwall has a housing target that is not mitigated by being in the area of outstanding natural beauty.
“We have to build more houses and when you look at the spaces available, all of the sites within Colwall are necessarily within the AONB.
“And wherever else you go if you refuse Mill Lane will have a similar impact on the AONB.”
He said it was clear that Mill Lane was the most practicable of the sites available to develop in Colwall.
Council planning officers recommended rejecting the scheme due to its nature scale and setting.
They said the proposal would harm the character, appearance, setting and enjoyment of the Malvern Hills AONB.
Councillor Jeremy Milln proposed refusal and this was seconded by councillor Toni Fagan.
The committee’s vote was split with five votes in favour and five against.
Chairman John Hardwick used his casting vote to reject the scheme.
Herefordshire Council ends roads contract with Balfour Beatty
Work on replacing ageing Victorian water pipe in Monmouth to continue
Designer appointed for redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery
Charities calling for clarity on when new base for people with disabilities will be available
Hereford car showroom plan for new SUV brands
‘Improved’ plan to replace turkey sheds with houses near Leominster
Emergency services respond to explosion at BAE Systems Monmouthshire site
Legal challenge launched to prevent demolition of Three Counties Hotel
