A PLAN to build affordable housing in a village has been turned down by councillors despite being told the work should be allowed to go ahead.

Malvern Hills District Council’s planning committee has rejected a plan to build 14 homes in Abberley near Worcester saying it was inappropriate to build on strictly-controlled green space.

The move proved controversial when it was first revealed last year, and more than 60 objections were raised against the plan by villagers who said Abberley did not have the facilities to cope with more housing and the continued construction in the village was “causing havoc.”

READ MORE: No to homes plan for pub car park near Worcester

Councillors voted to reject the plan by developer C50 Homes despite receiving a recommendation from the council’s planning department that the work should be given the green light.

The planning committee rejected the plan saying its size would be “harmful” and encroach “significantly” on the countryside as well as be a “detriment” to the character of the village.

Worcester News: PLAN: An artist's impression of the new homes in Abberley

Objectors had earlier said that approving more buildings in Abberley would result in the village losing its charm.

READ MORE: Ruling on new homes plan for 'important' Warndon green space

Nick Tuck of the village’s Stockton Road, said in an objection: “Are we set to sleepwalk into becoming Great Witley over the next decade? I understand the need for development but why keep placing it in Abberley and why [are] they not being spread out?”

The plan proposed building a mix of one-to-four-bed homes off Clows Top Road on land known as Walshes Farm next to Abberley Village Hall.

The committee running Abberley Village Hall has come out against the “extremely detrimental” plan saying it would lose money if it was prevented from running some of its ‘noisier’ events in the summer.

READ MORE: Concerns ‘intensified’ by 120-home plan for Rushwick near Worcester

The site was touted as a potential site for housing during a search for locations as part of the South Worcestershire Development (SWDP) – which sets out where homes will be built across the county for the next 20 years – but the plan was ditched over a fear it might become a ‘blot’ on the landscape.

Council planners said a smaller 14-home development could be acceptable despite other officers saying the homes would be “obtrusive” and the “clear and open views” from Abberley Village Hall would be ruined.

A plan to build 26 more homes on different land off Clows Top Road was also backed last year.