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AN on-going Malvern Wells planning dispute looks set to be come to an end, despite objections from hundreds of residents.

Landmarque Sites has submitted plans for 24 houses at the Old Railway Yard, Peachfield Road. Nine affordable homes included in a previous application for 33 houses are now omitted.

This seems enough to appease Malvern Hills District Council, where officers have recommended approval, and other organisations have also now added their support, but the new plan has done little to reassure locals.

A total of 279 people have written to the local authority to voice their concern and 356 added their signatures to a petition.

Neighbour Pamela Day said the reduction in the number of properties was still not enough to curb their concerns, mainly about flooding and traffic.

She said: "I cannot the council is looking to approve this in light of the number of objections."

As well as drainage, which is described by one objector as "woefully inadequate", and worries about visibility at the site exit, people are also objecting on the grounds that the development would overlook properties on the fruitlands, is out of character with the area, and does not have enough parking facilities.

However Rosalyn Kirby, planning officer for this application, said: "It is considered the proposal makes good use of previously developed urban land, without being detrimental to the character of the area, does not conflict with the interests of highway safety, the amenities of neighbouring residents or the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"Further the proposal would not exacerbate the current drainage problems within the locality or damage wildlife interests."

A decision will be made at a meeting of the Southern Area Development Control Committee on Wednesday, at 7pm, in Priory Lodge Hall in Avenue Road.

Mrs Day added: "We need as many people as possible to turn up to show their objections to this application."

11:04am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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