THR GROUP of residents who successfully campaigned against the controversial Guarlford Road Easement have praised the Malvern Hills Trust for voting to reject the proposal.

The plan, which was to build an access road across common land at the side of Guarlford Road for a potential future housing development, was rejected at a special meeting of the trust on Tuesday night as 11 board members voted against granting permission for the easement.

Michael Huskinson, who was the leader of the residents group, said: "Local residents very much welcome the decision of Malvern Hills Trust board members at their meeting on Tuesday night to refuse to grant the easement requested.

"Their decision, by a large majority, reflects what Malvern expects of them and they are to be commended."

Duncan Bridges, CEO of Malvern Hills Trust, said: "It was a long and very detailed meeting and there great deal of information for the Board of Trustees to absorb and consider before coming to their final decision." 11 members of the MHT board voted to reject the easement plan at the meeting on Tuesday night, with one abstention.

Members of the public were vocal throughout, loudly challenging points raised by the trust, and loud cheers were heard as the vote was confirmed.

Seaking at the meeting, Katharine Harris, one of the members of the residents' group opposing the easement, said: "I, in common with many others, have lived here for over 25 years. The main reason many of us chose to live here was the wide open spaces protected by the trust.

"This is a case of changing the goal-posts and granting this easement will be contrary to your principles.

"If this decision goes through, you will be remembered and never forgiven."

For the full report of the meeting, go to www.malverngazette.co.uk/news/17513772.controversial-guarlford-road-easement-plan-rejected-by-malvern-hills-trust/