CRIES of “absolute disgrace” and “shambolic” were heard from the public gallery as planners gave the go-ahead for new houses in Powick.

The development by Marston’s will see 19 two-storey homes including eight affordable properties built on scrubland and parts of the beer garden behind The Crown pub in the village.

One member of the public, who spoke during the planning meeting, labelled the plans as “a recipe for future problems” while Powick’s ward councillors passionately spoke against the project.

But members of Malvern Hills District Council’s northern area development management committee narrowly approved the proposals by eight votes to six at the meeting yesterday evening (February 4).

Stephen Roe, of Russell Close, Powick, said: “The new houses will be out of keeping with the area and nearly twice as cramped as The Russets development.

“There is a lack of public space so will children of the estate be required to play in the pub’s beer garden?

“Car travel will be the norm which will increase traffic.

“It all seems a recipe for future problems.”

Councillor Elaine Newman, of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The housing density is not in keeping with the area – the proposal is of 30.6 units per hectare compared to 16.7 at The Russets site.

“I am very concerned that extra traffic will mean cars back up onto the A449 when turning into Hospital Lane, which would create a danger.

“The pub is also very popular and will cause noise problems for the new householders.

“Is this the right place to build houses?”

Councillor Tom Wells similarly spoke extensively in opposition to the housing bid.

He outlined over-development of the site, road safety problems including the possibility of “rat running” through the pub car park and noise from The Crown as reasons for rejection.

“If this application is approved there will be 201 new dwellings in Powick, assuming appeals go against this council”, he said.

“It is going to double the size of Powick and that is an extraordinary amount for a little village in Worcestershire to absorb.

“It is not a sustainable location for development.”

Councillor Anthony Warburton added: “This will convert Powick village into an urban extension of Worcester.

“I think it is a step too far and it is time for this council to say no to a proposal of this density in what remains a rural area.”

These rallying calls however ultimately failed.

A motion by Mr Wells to turn down the application was lost by seven votes to six before approval was agreed by eight votes to six.

A spokeswoman for Marston's said: “We are pleased to get the green light and we look forward to the next phase of the development.”