A PLAN to build four new homes in Powick has been knocked back by the council.

The proposal was for four homes on land next to 15a Collett’s Green Road.

The application was for permission in principle, which asks councils to make a decision on the location, land use and how many buildings there would be.

More detailed plans would be submitted at a later stage, should planning consent be given.

But Malvern Hills District Council rejected the development, saying the site is in open countryside and that future occupiers “would be poorly connected to key services by sustainable travel modes”.

Highways officers had recommended the plans for refusal, saying there are no footpaths in the area, no street lights and a stretch of road that transitions from 30mph to the national speed limit.

“Crucially, Highways outlined that there is a severe safety concern of conflict between pedestrians and vehicles on the C2027 and Collett’s Green Road especially in the hours of darkness and inclement weather,” officers said.

Powick Parish Council had objected to the application, saying the site is unsuitable for development.

“The roads around the site are busy, unlit and feature several junctions alongside the change in speed limit to 60mph,” parish councillors said.

“Journeys to school, shops and other community facilities would be too far on foot which is in conflict with sustainable travel aspirations.”