A DECISION over plans for 39 new homes in Drakes Broughton described as having an "apartheid" layout has been deferred to another day.

Wychavon District Council's planning committee voted against either approving or rejecting the new estate, which would be built on land opposite Longfield, in Stonebow Road, Drakes Broughton at a meeting on Thursday.

Speeches against the plans were made by chairman of the parish council Ken Skillern, local man Geoff Wright and ward member Cllr Paul Middlebrough raising concerns about highways, the sewerage capabilities and the sustainability of the site.

Cllr Middlebrough said: "Local people know best. So the application looks like there are no problems with flooding but we know differently.

"I know the design is at reserved stages but the developer is largely doing apartheid planning herding the social housing near to the railway lines. I think it's a desperately cowardly application."

Victoria Lane spoke in support of the plans stating the village was sustainable and that some of the concerns raised were issues to be dealt with at the next stage of planning, including the layout.

And Cllr Ken Jennings said he had "no problem" with the application.

But Cllr Adrian Darby said he preferred development in the village to take place at a site identified in the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan - a view not supported by all the councillors - and proposed refusal.

He was supported by some councillors but the committee were warned against refusing the plans by the authorities head of planning, Georgio Framalicco, and advised to go with a motion on the table to defer the plans.

The initial proposer and seconder for rejecting the plans withdrew their proposals.

Cllr Judy Pearce, who recommended deferral, said there was not enough information at this stage. She added: "I am not going to give approval for a site that's going to make other peoples toilets flood into their houses."

Councillor voted to refer the decision.