A controversial plan to build more homes in Droitwich without the proper infrastructure has been narrowly approved by councillors.

Housing developer Redrow had its plan to build 52 more homes off the chaotic and congested Pulley Lane junction in Droitwich approved despite warnings that the council would be “letting the community down” if it backed plans that did not come with guarantees over new schools, GP surgeries or community centres.

Despite the concerns that the new homes would be isolated and left without key services if they were built without additional much-needed infrastructure, the plan was approved by Wychavon District Council’s planning committee by seven votes to six with one abstention.

Cllr Nicholas Wright said the council would be “letting communities down” if it backed an application that did not also provide sufficient facilities for potential residents.

Droitwich district and county councillor Richard Morris said it was time to say ‘enough is enough’ and stand up to housing developers who were building a substantial number of homes without also including the necessary infrastructure.

“No GP medical provision, no schools, no playing fields, no community hall and poor connectivity,” he said in an objection to the application.

“The development is right by an ancient wood and I don’t believe there has been sufficient consideration of the ecology and natural habitat.”

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A request by Droitwich Town Council to build a new community centre for the people in the new homes was dismissed by Redrow because the proposed number of homes ‘did not justify’ and ‘could not pay for’ a new facility – and the developer said it would be making financial contributions to the council instead.

Cllr Tony Miller was equally concerned by the prospect of new homes due to the area having “very poor infrastructure” and “unsuitable roads.”

“Is it too much for the area?” he said during the meeting in Pershore on November 10.

“Is there enough space? That is questionable.”

Cllr Miller also said he was “very unhappy” at the prospect of the committee approving a plan that he was certain would put even more pressure on an already over-capacity pumping station.