CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish a former village pub for new affordable homes have been withdrawn following objections from locals.

Platform Housing Group put forward proposals to demolish the Coventry Arms in Stratford Road in Upton Snodsbury and build 11 affordable homes last year but the plan was met with opposition from villagers.

Whilst the former watering hole would have been demolished to make way for the homes, the replacement building would have replicated the style of the original pub.

The plans proved controversial when they were put forward more than 18 months ago and the housing association had originally wanted to build 14 homes on the site but redrew the plan following an influx of objections from residents in the village near Worcester.

One disgruntled villager said Upton Snodsbury was "not an area for affordable housing" and the new homes would only bring trouble.

Several other objections had been raised by residents.

Another villager in Worcester Road said it was "proven fact" that building affordable homes would bring trouble to the village.

The objection said: "The village of Upton Snodsbury is not an area for affordable housing, it is a quiet little village that requires some dwellings, it is a proven fact that affordable housing brings trouble, and the residents of the village do not want this.

Another objector Andy Taylor said: "This is an old building that contributes to the unique character of the village. To demolish it would be an aggressive and excessive approach to development plans. The site can be redeveloped around this attractive building without the need to destroy it.

"Historically it was a public house and though not now used as such has in the past been a pivotal focus for the village. It has still great potential as a residential property and should not be destroyed to serve a short term and short-sighted development plan."

A plan to build 13 more homes in the village on the site of a former garage was backed by planners at Wychavon District Council earlier this year.

Developer Owl Homes will build a mix of two-bed bungalows and two-and-three-bed homes on the site of Woodview Garage off Worcester Road in Upton Snodsbury - adding to nine homes that have already been approved.