A COMMUNITY action group has lost its battle to save a medieval hamlet from development.

Wychavon District Council's planning committee gave delegated approval subject to conditions on Thursday for 71 homes to be built at Hadzor Hall.

Residents accused councillors of missing the opportunity to create jobs by not waiting to sell the hall as offices.

They believed the development, which will include nine properties for social housing, could ruin the hamlet.

Keep Hadzor Special Campaign Group member Patrick Clamp said the decision was disappointing but expected.

He added: "We did what we could and failed. The group will remain to ensure land given to Wychavon by the developer will be used to the community's best interest.

"I now hope other developers don't look to build here. If they do, we will fight again."

Cllr Tony Hotham (Con, Hanbury) said plans to dedicate 2.82 acres of land for informal open space showed more mass development was unlikely.

He added: "The amount of land shows this is a one-off and developers don't expect acres of houses to go there."

Cllr Hotham agreed moves should be made to protect Hadzor's church and the hall's icehouse.

There may not be enough room in town schools for the new families, according to Cllr Andrew Christian Brookes (Con, Lovett).

Cllr Margaret Rowley (Lib Dem, Bowbrook) called for undertakings to ensure the church was protected and said the development was not suitable for people with children.