THE leader of a Worcestershire council has delivered a scathing broadside to colleagues in neighbouring Malvern after it backed its own house-building strategy.

Councillor Paul Middlebrough, leader of Wychavon District Council, said Malvern Hills District Council’s decision to push on was “nothing short of reckless” and failed the best interests of its residents.

At a meeting ending in the early hours of this morning, Malvern councillors backed by a majority a motion to tear-up the strategy known as the South Worcestershire Development Plan.

Wychavon, Malvern and Worcester City Council have been working on the draft for five years, and it was set to be formally adopted - as is - in December.

Coun Middlebrough said Wychavon would now “go it alone” with its own local plan, satisfying house-building targets.

It have previously stated it would work with neighbouring Worcester City Council to accommodate its housing need.

Councillor Middlebrough said: “We remain in a strong position to move forward our own plan.

“This will mean no change for our communities in Wychavon and we remain committed to delivering a plan so that we have clear direction and do not fall foul of the appeals process or unwanted development.”

“Clearly our colleagues in Worcester City will also be in a difficult position and we will do all we can to help them to deliver our part of their growth needs.”

Wychavon will work to submit its new Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in early 2013.