A VILLAGE is "disappointed" after rejected plans for a 130-home development have gone to appeal.

Developers wanted to build what many called a new estate on Dilmore Lane in Fernhill Heath before Wychavon District Council planners rejected the plans.

Now, Lioncourt Homes formally lodged an appeal against the council's decision.

Meg Farmer, Claines Parish Council chair, said: "It is disappointing, and we hope the reasons why it was turned down in the first place are still considered.

"We have no school places, no community centre and the land is arable.

"There are no provisions at all in the village."

PLAN: The layout for the proposed 130 homes off Dilmore Lane and Suffolk Way in Fernhill Heath (Image: Lioncourt Homes) Some 40 per cent of the homes would have been ‘affordable’ and five per cent would have been self-builds.

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

Rachel Lister, who spoke on behalf of the committee at the meeting, said: “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.”

Other reasons it was refused were concerns over increased traffic on narrow roads in Fernhill Heath due to congestion on the A38.

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

At the time, 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.

The Planning Inspectorate will now consider Lioncourt Homes's appeal and decide whether to refuse or grant permission. 

The plans can be viewed on Wychavon District Council's planning portal using the planning application number W/23/01323/OUT.