APPLAUSE from relieved residents filled Priory Lodge Hall when district councillors refused plans for a Lidl supermarket in Malvern Link.

Lidl confirmed it will appeal against the refusal and may submit a fresh application.

At Wednesday's meeting, Graham Perkins, of Link Antiques, spoke against the plans for the former eurohaus site.

He felt the loss of 15 parking spaces in Worcester Road would harm businesses there.

"Nobody's taken into account the feeling of local people," he said.

His other concerns included noise and light pollution and more traffic on an already congested road.

Coun Clive Smith said he was also unhappy about traffic, while Coun Pat Raven had safety concerns about four roadside houses included in the plans.

She felt the supermarket would affect local traders and security, fearing youths with vehicles could gain access at night.

Coun David Houghton-Smith said there was no need for another supermarket. However, Coun Phillip Rumney said Lidl would offer cheaper food. Coun Pat Mewton also supported the plans.

The committee decided by 16 to 2 to reject the application. The reasons given included design, impact on quality of life, security and failure to add anything different to the commercial area.

Planning officer David Murray said they had been satisfied with traffic, access and noise issues and said the houses would improve the area's character.

Councillors said that the fact the site was allocated for housing in the Local Plan should not be a ground for refusal. Lidl has appealed against the allocation at the Local Plan inquiry and Mr Murray feared it could prejudice the case.

Lidl has owned the eurohaus site since January 2000. A previous application to build a supermarket was refused in June 2001

n Plans for a public fishery at Gilvers Lane, Brotherridge Green, near Hanley Castle, were approved, despite residents' concerns about traffic and flooding.

n An outline application for 13 homes at Brooklyn Ford in Newtown Road, Malvern, was refused as overdevelopment.

n The committee backed plans for three houses on the Nixons Garage site in Welland Road.

n Highway safety and access issues meant plans for three detached houses and 10 underground garages in Cowleigh Road, Malvern, were turned down.

n Councillors will pay a site visit before deciding if eight properties in Church Road, Malvern, can go ahead.