CAMPAIGNERS have been successful in their bid to stop a developer from building up to 42 homes in a village.

A petition against the proposed development off Bransford Road, in Rushwick, near Worcester, received over 460 signatures in one week.

Residents were concerned that the project would destroy agricultural land and place excessive pressure on local services and infrastructure.

However Malvern Hills District Council officers have halted the plans by rejecting Custom Land Limited's application to build on the site.

Cllr Andy Deakin, chairman of Rushwick Parish Council, said: "It's a victory for people power.

"The parish council did object. It was a speculative development, the ground is not identified for development under the South Worcestershire Development Plan.

"We have just had the other housing development on the opposite side of the road by Kier.

"I think parishioners were incensed that we were going to have another large development outside the development area."

Cllr Deakin believes developers will continue to apply for permission to build on the site.

He said future applications will be more likely to succeed if the land is included in the revised South Worcestershire Development Plan.

Douglas Godwin, district councillor for Rushwick, said: "It was a complete try-on by the developer. I'm glad it's been thrown out.

"He was chancing his hand... pushing his luck, it was totally speculative and not necessary or needed.

"I suspect we will see this again, this is the first round."

However the councillor called for a balanced approach to house-building.

He said: "We have plenty of development in West Worcestershire.

"We are approaching a situation where this part of Worcestershire will be a building site for the next 12 years."

However, Mr Godwin also acknowledged that new homes were needed for the country's growing population.

Malvern Hills District Council planners rejected the project because it was outside the village's development boundary and impacted on the visual character of the area.

Planners thought the development would damage green space and be harmful to the rural and historic context of the Grade II listed Willow House.

They also opposed the application because it lacked plans for affordable housing, community contributions, clear access and sustainable travel choices.

Some 462 people signed a petition against the project between Monday, October 23, and Sunday, October 29.

Malvern Hills District Council decided against the application on Monday, March 19.

Custom Land Limited was unavailable for comment.