MALVERN councillors have backed a controversial housing blueprint which could affect generations to come.
The decision means the Malvern Hills area is set to squeeze in 8,590 extra homes within the district, up from 4,900, with Newland taking 800 extra homes and the QinetiQ site 300.
Malvern Hills, Wychavon and Worcester councillors all backed the new-look South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), which earmarks land for houses and jobs by 2030, on Tuesday night.
Speaking at the meeting, Malvern Hills District councillor Melanie Baker, portfolio holder for planning, economy and housing, said: "We have two options.
"A vote for the SWDP will put us back in the driving seat, and give us leverage to deal with inappropriate plans.
"A vote against is too awful to contemplate. It will mean more housing and buildings, and developers continuing to challenge us at every turn.
"We need to protect this land, as this will be inherited by our children, grandchildren and their children, and people who want to live in work in this area."
The original SWDP was rejected by Malvern Hills in 2012. The new plan was developed over the last few months after a Government inspector ordered more homes for South Worcestershire.
The plans mean that homes are also ear-marked for sites including Victoria Road car park, Poolbrook, Lower Howsell Road and Drake Street, in Welland, among many more.
Twenty four councillors voted in favour, with seven voting against.
Many councillors said they voted for the blueprint as there was simply no alternative.
Councillor Tom Wells said: "We are faced with a conundrum.This application is as dull as ditch water, and probably more dangerous.
"I have seen speculative applications. To do anything other than support this plan will allow further vandalism to our countryside, as developers' applications will be accepted without resistance.
"I will reluctantly support the SWDP, as it is the only protective measure we have.
"The alternative is worse."
Councillor Paul Cumming said: "This area shares a lot of the infrastructure for this SWDP.
"This is going to be a complete mess, but we have to look at the number of developers contemplating moves on this land.
"The last way we can stop this is by voting for the plan."
Not all councillors supported the notion.
Councillor Julian Roskams, Mayor of Malvern, said: "This plan was never the right one for this area, and my party has asked to come up with a revised plan.
"This is a huge missed opportunity, and has become a shambles. I shall not play any part in damaging our beautiful county."
The SWDP could see the 28, 370 new homes built across South Worcestershire by 2030.
A six-week public consultation commences on Monday, October 6.
The new plan will go back to Government inspector Roger Clews who will examine it early next year, with a view to accepting it.
To express your view, visit swdevelopmentplan.org.
Forms will be available at public buildings across south Worcestershire next week.

What's planned:
Newland: 800
QinetiQ: 300
Mill Lane, Poolbrook, Malvern: 62
Hayslan Fields, Pickersleigh Grove, Malvern: 44
Former allotments, Lower Howsell Road, Malvern: 81
Former railway sidings, Peachfield Road, Malvern: 20
Victoria Road car park, Malvern: 21
Land off Brook Farm Drive, Poolbrook, Malvern: 77
Broadlands Drive, Malvern: 33
Barracks store site, Court Road, Malvern: 28
Upton Marina: 70
Land at Welland Road, Upton: 43
Lawn Farm, Drake Street. Welland: 50
Land between Old Post Office and Church Farm, Drake Street, Welland: 30
Land next to Crown pub, Powick: 45
Land south of Sparrowhall Lane, Powick: 39
Land at Kiln Lane, Leigh Sinton: 53
The remainder of the houses are accounted for by sites else-where in the district, including Tenbury Wells, Kempsey, Hallow, Martley, Lower Broadheath, Rushwick and Broadwas