RESIDENTS are celebrating after council chiefs refused a plan to build a home which they said would lead to a loss of green space.

Householders Cherry Close, Droitwich, alongside neighbouring residents in Cockshute Hill, had been campaigning to save the ‘green space’ at the end of the cul-de-sac, after developers submitted plans to build on the site in May.

The proposed development included one home, one car parking space and two bicycle spaces.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Tony Jones said: “We would like to extend our thanks to the planning department at Wychavon District Council as the application for planning permission has been refused.

“We are aware that there is a possibility of an appeal to the planning inspectorate.

“However, as the permission was refused on several grounds citing the South Worcestershire Development Plan we hope that common sense will prevail and that we will be allowed to continue our enjoyment of the green space and trees for many years to come.”

Previously, residents had protested that the plans would ‘irrevocably change’ the character of the Close, with one of the main gripes being the felling of several mature trees, including three Swedish Whitebeams that were planted to replace an Elm tree which died of Dutch Elm Disease.

Speaking previously, project architect Devan Mistry said: “Some trees will be removed as part of this proposed development but we have proposed to plant more trees on the other green areas next to this on Cherry Close itself and enhance the environment for everyone through the planting of flowerbeds.

"We do not deem the loss of the portion of open green space at Cherry Close as excessive given that there are five or six other green spaces within a two to eight min walk from this location.”