A DECISION on whether to build up to 21 new homes near Malvern has been deferred after concerns were raised it would lead to too many homes and traffic in the area.

The plan is for up to 21 new homes, of which six would be affordable, at Clay Green Farm in Alfrick.

But councillors objected to the plan in its present state citing the density of the dwellings, pedestrian access and a lack of adequate visitor parking.

The application was debated at a meeting of the Malvern Hills District Council's Northern Area Planning Committee.

Councillor Tony Crockford, leader of Alfrick and Leigh Parish Council spoke at the meeting, saying: “We have written to the council concerning the unsuitability of the site as a likely traffic junction, even that is simply not acceptable.

“Bending of the rules like this may be permissible in the case of a small development, but not for 21 houses.

“We have grave doubts about the site’s suitability.”

The Parish Council’s report on the site said that, although their concerns had been listened to over the suitability of the site, not enough had been changed by the developers since the application first came up.

Councillors from Malvern Hills District Council also voiced their concerns over the site, citing the number of homes in the area, levels of traffic and use of biodiversity land within the development.

However, Steven Hawley, from Worcestershire Highways, said: “There have been no accidents at the Folly Road junction and the proposed access is suitable for the proposed level of traffic.”

The report into the application said the developer had been proactive in making changes to the application, and said planning permission should be granted.

Malvern Hills District Council voted 9/4 in favour of deferment.