COUNCILLORS have given approval to a substitute planning application relating to a controversial housing development in Worcester which residents say has become "overbearing".

Developers Matthews City & Country Homes was originally granted permission for 35 homes on the Pratley's Estate in Rose Bank, off London Road, in November 2015 - despite a large campaign against it by residents.

Work began on the Montgomery and the Mews properties, on the boundary with Edward Close, but was halted after is was realised work had started from a height higher than in the originally architects plans, which meant new homes overlooked gardens.

An application was submitted to substitute the approved building designs for the Montgomery and Mews properties for a new scheme where the proposed plots reduced the height of the four terraced properties by a storey in height.

This application was debated at the planning meeting, held at The Guildhall yesterday, (July 20).

During the presentation, officers highlighted that within days of discovering the discrepancy the new plans had been submitted.

But during public speaking, Edward Close resident Chloe Perry made a passionate appeal against the application.

"I fear it would be unlawful to allow this application to go ahead," she said.

"It this application is allowed, I think it will set a new precedent.

"It would make Worcester a very undesirable place to live."

Philip Deeley, of RCA Regeneration on behalf of Matthews, said the applicants had recognised concerns and brought this application before the committee, that was crucially seeking to reduce the height of the permitted development.

He said it equated to around a two-and-a-half metre reduction.

Councillor Jabba Riaz, who represents the area, told committee members: "The history of this site goes back many years.

"We are where we are - the current state is a complete mess, is the complete destruction of an historic site.

"We rely heavily on architects designs to make decisions.

"We were sold something different to what we have."

When planning committee members discussions began, Warndon councillor Elaine Williams said she had concerns over the issue that if they refused the scheme, building work reverted to the original approved scheme which was based on discrepancies.

Cathedral councillor Lynn Denham said: "It seems we have got a dog's breakfast here.

"When it has come to the actually build, it doesn't look like what people expected.

"The developer has brought forward a modified scheme that seeks to address some of the concerns.

"If we say no to what is in front of us, it reverts to a more unacceptable scheme."

Gorse Hill councillor Geoff Williams added: "I'm always trying to find solutions that get to the best for the application, and for the people that are affected by these schemes."

A vote was taken on the recommendation, with the inclusion of conditions relating to permitted development rights and an overlooking window.

It was approved unanimously by the committee.