PLANS to build 71 new homes have been given the thumbs up despite one councillor saying the noise from the M5 was “insufferable”.

Wychavon District Council’s planning committee approved the plans to develop the site on land to the north of Walk Mill Drive, Wychbold, near Droitwich.

Twelve members voted in favour of the plans, put forward by Taylor Wimpey Midlands, with two abstentions.

The development would be next to another housing development proposed by Persimmon Homes for 61 homes on land off Crown Lane which has already been approved by planners.

Fourteen residents have objected to the plans including Peter Hood, of Walk Mill Drive, who said he was worried about flooding.

“Every since the quarry was flooded there have been problems with flooding,” he said. “It’s been noted by Taylor Wimpey that water barriers will be fitted to all houses on the estate. This is not an eco-friendly measure. It’s an admission the drainage will not cope.”

Councillor Margaret Rowley said she was concerned about the development being so close to the M5.

But councillor Judy Pearce said despite the noise from the M5 being ‘insufferable” she would reluctantly support the application.

“The noise on the back of this site is awful,” she said. “The motorway is well above the level of the gardens and the noise will leak around the top.

“The housing mix is not ideal but it’s considerably better than it was and considerably better than the mix of housing on the estate next door which was passed some time ago. I really can’t think how we’re going to refuse this site.”