THE second stage of plans for a once controversial major new housing estate on the outskirts of Worcester have been given the green light.

Two separate applications by different developers for a total of 230 homes at Gwillams Farm, off Ombersley Road in Bevere - land which does form part of the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan - were approved by councillors at Wychavon District Council on Thursday.

The detailed application for 128 homes by N.B and M.M Gwillam, ADA Farming and Cala Homes Midlands, including 51 affordable units, was welcomed by the committee, who approved it anonymously.

Cllr Adrian Darby was the only one to raise a concern about the visibility of the homes to nearby Beechwood House and the conservation area.

But his fears were allayed by officer Neil Pearce, who reassured the councillors the development was difficult if not impossible to see from the conservation area.

Cllr Ken Jennings said it was clear the development was no longer so strongly opposed by local residents.

"My letter box and inbox have not been filled with objections and I think we need to compare that with the outline application," he said.

The initial application, which was approved in July last year, prompted almost 450 letters of objection while a 170-signature petition was also collected.

Cllr Tony Miller added: "Let's hope we can see this go forward to a conclusion and see the development take place."

The second application, for reserved matters concerning 102 homes, by Bellway Homes did raise some concerns.

Cllr Miller said: "We look at this and there's a fault with this plan and the fault is coming out onto Green Lane. We had adequate space to make the entry go out onto the Ombersley Road."

Worries about the crime prevention report were also voiced by Cllr David Brotheridge, who said: "We have some comments from the crime manager. He refers to the affordable housing at the centre of the development that, as he puts it, has the footpaths and alleyways that criss cross behind the units."

Again Mr Pearce offered reassurance that all gates and doors were lockable to deter casual thieves and the application was approved.