A SMALL estate of affordable homes can be built on a field just outside a Worcestershire village.

Malvern Hills District Council has approved plans by West Mercia Housing Group to build 14 new affordable houses near Clifton-on-Teme, Worcester.

An earlier application for 10 affordable houses on the same site on Pound Lane next to a local amenity area containing a scout hut, bowling green, football pitch and children’s play area was turned down by the council because of the development’s linear layout.

There were 11 objections from neighbours and the Council for the Protection of Rural England also opposed the development saying it would not be sustainable as the majority of residents would work outside the village.

But planning officer Simon Jones, who recommended approval, said: “The application site is in close proximity to and within walking distance of the village centre and access to public transport. opportunities for the release of land for affordable housing are limited.”

The council’s northern area development control committee granted planning permission but asked for two extra parking spaces to be added to the 26 already in the plans.