Councillors have rejected plans for a huge new housing estate in Fernhill Heath.

Proposals to build up to 130 new homes had been put forward by developer Lioncourt Homes on farmland off Dilmore Lane and Suffolk Way in the village.

Some 40 percent of the homes would have been ‘affordable’ and five percent would have been self-builds.

Worcester News: FIELDS: Councillors were unhappy at the thought of building on farmland in Fernhill HeathFIELDS: Councillors were unhappy at the thought of building on farmland in Fernhill Heath (Image: Lioncourt Homes)

But members of Wychavon District Council’s planning committee had concerns over the development, which would have been outside the village boundary.

Rachel Lister, speaking at a committee meeting on Thursday (May 23), said it would be better to build on brownfield sites.

“Wychavon is identified as having the capacity to deliver 770 new dwellings on brownfield land,” she said, “and central government has allocated significant grant funding to support the development of brownfield sites.

“These sites should be considered first in more sustainable and appropriate locations.”

Residents and parish councillors have also raised concerns about increased traffic on narrow roads in Fernhill Heath, because of congestion on the A38.

Planning officers admitted the site was considered to be open countryside and was “in conflict” with policies set out in the South Worcestershire Development Plan.

Vicky Bilton from Lioncourt Homes said: “The development, we believe, would reflect the local character of Fernhill Heath and connect into the village.”

She also said the development would help make up a housing shortfall of 1,500 homes across the district.

“The proposal now also includes land for a village hall and this would be secured through a section 106 agreement,” she added.

Cllr Nicholas Wright, who stepped away from chairing the committee for this application, said: “There has been no increase in community facilities or infrastructure in Fernhill Heath in recent years.

“This is outside the hub of the village, down the bottom. It’s already exceeded its development allocation, having had more than 500 houses built in the last few years - with no added infrastructure. Does it require further intrusion?”

Cllr Emma Kearsey said: “We are in Worcestershire, not Wandsworth. No disrespect to Wandsworth but you don’t have much agricultural land there.”

She said the lack of housing supply is temporary but the loss of agricultural land is permanent.

A separate proposal to build 40 homes off Dilmore Lane was deferred at the planning committee’s March meeting.