UNPOPULAR plans to build nine homes opposite a village school have been rejected.
Developer H2 Land had wanted to put nine houses on land to the east of Upton Road in Callow End.
But dozens of villagers objected to the scheme and Malvern Hills District Council has now refused to grant planning permission.
District planners said the site is considered to be in open countryside and the development would be contrary to policies set out in the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR), a recently adopted planning blueprint for the area.
REJECTED: Plans for a housing development in Callow Hill have been turned down (Image: H2 Land)
“The indicative layout also demonstrates a wasteful and inefficient use of the land,” they added.
The developer’s own plans admit the site is outside the development boundary for Callow End but say the village is “a suitable and sustainable location for new homes” with access to local services and public transport.
Residents had a number of concerns.
Linda Quelch said Callow End was “just about holding onto its semi-rural status”.
“The stretch of road outside the school is frequently extremely difficult to navigate due to parked vehicles using the school, adjacent church or local businesses,” she said.
“Drivers are forced into the oncoming lane, on a bend, in order to pass.
“There have been a number of accidents. Adding another access road – Bow Hill already joins Upton Road at this point on the opposite side – will exacerbate this.”
Malcolm Adams said: “The Upton Road is increasingly busy and speeds appear to increasing despite the 30 mph limit.
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“Vehicles parked in association with parents dropping off and picking up children, those visiting the Callow End Club and the Church, already create a serious traffic hazard.
“The access to the new housing would add to the problem and seriously further compromise road safety.”
Nigel Hurley said the development would be “at odds with the strong linear characteristics of Callow End village and would impact on an important pocket of open countryside with its associated impact on local wildlife and an important natural surface water flood area.”
