PLANS to build 69 houses on a green field in the Pickersleigh area of Malvern have been rejected by council planners.

Guild Homes (Midlands) Ltd applied to build the homes on land at Mayfield Road, close to its junction with Madresfield Road.

The application was opposed by Malvern Town Council, which feared the effects of increased traffic on the local road network and voiced concerns about flooding.

In its submission to Malvern Hills District Council, the town council said: "Flooding is already a concern in the area and will be exacerbated by any development. No run-off should be allowed to run into the stream in the centre of the site. A new system to deal with run-off would need to be provided.

"This development will add pressure on already-congested road infrastructure, particularly the existing one-way roads. This also needs to be considered with other developments in the area and the effects on Townsend Way and the southern link road."

In its decision notice refusing the application, the district council said the proposal "would result in an insular development", which would have "a suburban character which would be at odds with the established rural context of the area".

"In addition, such development would put pressure on the removal of hedgerows along Madresfield Road and other boundaries which would further increase the visual harm associated with the development proposal and be detrimental to the character

and appearance of the area."

The plan was also criticised for failing to make the fullest possible use of public transport, walking and cycling, which goes against the principles of sustainable development.

A second planning application, to build 59 homes on a former BMX track at the other end of Mayfield Road, has been withdrawn by its applicant. Worcestershire County Council.