INSPECTORS have thrown out an appeal against Malvern Hills' planners decision to refuse permission for affordable housing in Alfrick, near Worcester.

Malvern Hills District Council had refused outline planning permission for the 10 homes on Upper House Lane in Alfrick as they felt that the proposal would form a prominent and intrusive visual element in the landscape because of its scale and siting.

They also argued that the proposed footpath between the site and the centre of the village was convoluted and would be unlikely to be used by residents of the development in preference to the more direct routes.

Councillors said they felt potential residents would be likely to choose to instead walk in the public highway in conflict with vehicle movements where the road is narrow and that this could lead to an increased risk of accidents.

Now, following an appeal against the decision by the applicants, the planning inspector assigned to the case has dismissed the appeal.

They found the issues to be the impact upon the character and appearance of the area, highways safety and the need for affordable housing and that the intrusion of buildings and cars would detract significantly from the high quality landscape of the area. They also found that the loss of hedgerow as a result of the development would also be harmful to the countryside.

The matter is due to be brought up at a meeting of the council's northern area development control committee at 6pm on Wednesday.