A PLAN to build houses next to a ‘favoured route for walkers and horse riders’ will now be allowed to go ahead despite being rejected by the council.

A plan by Philip Ralph to build four homes at Bush Farm off the narrow Bush Lane in Callow End has been permitted after a government inspector overruled Malvern Hills District Council.

Planners turned down the application last year saying the new homes would “detract from the rural landscape” and went against the council’s policies on protecting the countryside.

But the planning inspector said there was no evidence it would harm the countryside and overruled the council.

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In a report, the planning inspector said: “The site is well located to services and facilities to meet day-to-day needs, including two shops, a post office, a primary school, public houses and a village hall, all of which are within comfortable walking or cycling distance.

“There is also a bus service offering public transport links to Worcester.

“I have also found there would be no harm to the character and appearance of the countryside.”

The plan for ‘permission in principle’ to build the four homes proved controversial when it was revealed in September 2022 and led to more than 40 villagers sending objections to the council.

Powick Parish Council objected to the new homes saying Bush Lane was frequently used by walkers and horse riders and it “represented the gateway to a valued recreational facility for both residents and the wider community.”

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“The lane currently retains a rural feel which would be compromised by what is this relatively – for this location – high-density development. Four houses would have an urbanising effect in an area which has seen significant development.”

One objector, Laurence Quelch of Upton Road in Callow End, said the plan was “totally ridiculous” for the village.

“Bush Lane is a very narrow single-track lane with little or no places for vehicles to pass or turn around,” the objection said.

“It is used by dog walkers, horse riders and families with young children every day.

“The entrance to the proposed site is very tight and blind when entering from Upton Road and already quite dangerous, any more traffic would cause a real problem.”