OFFICIALS have blocked a Droitwich Spa farmer's bid to level his land.

GH Burt and Sons wanted to dump 23,000 cubic metres of soil on a field next to Pulley Lane to level a ridge.

But Worcestershire County Council rejected the application after opposition from Wychavon District Council and Salwarpe Parish Council.

Opponents said there was no agricultural need for the extra material.

The Ramblers' Association, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Highways Agency also protested.