A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 30 homes in green space in a village could still be allowed to go ahead despite the council refusing it.

The application to build the homes on land at Old Hills off Upton Road in Callow End near Worcester was rejected by Malvern Hills District Council at the start of the year over fears it would ruin the character of the village and countryside.

Developer Terra has now lodged an appeal with the government’s planning inspectorate hoping to get the decision overturned.

The planning inspector has the power to overrule the council and allow the work to go ahead.

More than 110 objections were made against the plan by residents in Callow End before the plan was rejected by the council.

Many of the objections criticised the development for being “overbearing” and using a “dangerous and inappropriate” access road off the village’s busy Upton Road.

Residents also objected to plan over the effect it would have on the local schools, GP surgery and other services as well as the increase in traffic it would cause.

A report outlining the council’s refusal said: “The proposal would result in a demonstrably adverse impact that comes from its harmful urban encroachment into the open countryside at this location and the harm to the landscape and the character and appearance of the area.

“It would lead to the removal of established roadside vegetation which plays an important role in defining the character of the area.

“The proposal is not infill development and does not really round off the existing form of the settlement.

“Rather it would project the built form into the open countryside beyond the development boundary into a landscape area that would be sensitive to change.”

Powick Parish Council had also objected to the plan saying the homes would be built on an “elevated position” in the village, was outside its development boundary and had not been included in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP).

Terra had claimed the homes would create a “quality family-orientated niche development” and help contribute towards the need for affordable housing across the Malvern Hills district.