Concerned residents turn-ed out in force as controversial housing plans for Malvern were passed.

Outline plans from the technology firm QinetiQ included 28 homes behind Court Road, and a further 28 next to the main St Andrew's Road entrance were approved by Malvern Hills District Council's Southern Area Development Committee on Wednesday - despite 75 letters of objection and a petition signed by 21 staff and residents of Abbeyfield House rest home.

But Frank Harriss of St Andrew's Road outlined residents' worries before the committee.

"We're not totally against the development, but are concerned about the height of the buildings, traffic conditions, footpaths and trees," he said.

"We also think 24 houses would be better than 28."

He said he was concerned that the height of buildings would overshadow bungalows on Fraser Close.

"Residents asked for bungalows, and they got one-and-a-half storey houses. These could be easily changed.

"We also think more parking spaces are needed - one-and-a-half spaces per house is not enough," he added. "People will start parking on the road."

The development land was once part of QinetiQ's now-vacant south site.

Housing will be detached, semi-detached, and flats, and half could be affordable housing. The first proposal requires the installation of traffic lights at the junction between Court Road, Thirlstane Road and St Andrew's Road.

Development Control Man-ager David Murray said planning officers were satisfied with the density and character of proposed housing and believed parking was sufficient.

Committee chairman John Tretheway said: "This is an opportunity for good design, which could really enhance the area and be a positive development for Malvern."