PLANS to build 20 new affordable homes in countryside on the outskirts of Tenbury Wells have been given the green light by Malvern Hills District councillors.

The scheme on Oldwood Road - the main A4112 road between Tenbury and Leominster - was supported by planning officers and Tenbury Town Council.

There were five letters and e-mails from residents objecting to the development, which includes seven shared ownership properties, 13 rented homes, 40 parking spaces and new vehicle and pedestrian access.

The council's northern area development control committee approved the scheme subject to details of a safe access to the site.

Planning officer Vicky Bilton told the committee the site was outside the boundary of Tenbury where normally residential development would be resisted.

But she pointed out there were limited opportunities to release land for housing nearer the town centre. The plans include a pumping station to deal with foul sewage.