PLANS for 28 new affordable homes have been rejected in Worcester despite pleas that the scheme would help reduce a 4,500-strong housing waiting list.

Members of the city council’s planning committee threw out a bid to develop land off Midland Road on the basis that it is earmarked for employment. The site lies in the shadow of the historic Lea & Perrins factory, producers of the world-famous Worcestershire Sauce, and council chiefs want it marketed for business use.

The surrounding land is also largely industrial and has been allocated as employment land in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) – a planning blueprint for growth until 2030.

Under the failed bid, the site would have been taken up by one, two, three and four-bed properties – 85 per cent for rent and 15 per cent available for shared ownership.

The only member of the committee who spoke in favour of the development was Councillor Aubrey Tarbuck, a former city mayor.

“I’d welcome any number of affordable homes in Worcester – we’ve got 4,500 people waiting for somewhere to live,” he said.

Heinz, which owns Lea & Perrins, objected to the scheme on the grounds of overlooking into the factory, noise and traffic.

Coun Robert Rowden said: “If we are in support of the SWDP and we wish it to go forward, it would be illogical to overturn that and say all right, let’s allow this to go ahead.

“It would not make any sense to allow this planning application to be approved.” Planning officer Nichola Robinson said the onus was on private developers to come forward with ideas for the site.

“It is the opinion of Worcester City Council that it has not been demonstrated that this site is not feasible for the use of employment,” she said.

“It is not suitable for residential use. It’s by the Lea & Perrins factory and is a small site. A large employer could not fill it, but it would fill a niche that a smaller employer could take on.”

Coun Derek Prodger said: “There is lots of employment in this location and Midland Road has one of the most important factories in the city.

“What we need in this country is more jobs, so this is the right decision – we need to preserve it for employment for the people of Worcester.”

Every member voted to reject the application apart from Coun Tarbuck, who abstained.