CAMPAIGNERS have won their battle to save two 1930s homes in Worcester from demolition.

Worcester city councillors agreed to stop bulldozers from destroying the pair of properties in Malvern Road, St John's, to make way for 23 apartments.

They were presented with a petition signed by 268 residents angered by the plans, saying it would lower the quality of their neighbourhood.

"We're delighted it's been turned down. Those houses shouldn't be demolished - it's nothing short of vandalism," said Kevin O'Dwyer, one of about 25 Malvern Road residents at yesterday's planning committee meeting.

Councillor Derek Prodger, who lives nearby in Lower Wick, had spoken out against the proposal and was pleased by the outcome.

"Many properties can be retained, refurbished and re-used and that hadn't been considered by the applicant," he said.

Senior planning officer Paul O'Connor had told the committee there were no technical reasons to oppose replacing the detached properties with two blocks of apartments and six five-bedroom houses.

Guidelines

John Wilson, speaking on behalf of the developer behind the proposals, Neil Grinnall, denied the scheme would "dumb down" Malvern Road and said it met Government guidelines on density.

But the majority of councillors were left unimpressed by the argument. "I don't think we can just abandon the concept of spacious suburbs without a thorough exploration of the alternatives," said Coun Barry Mackenzie-Williams.

"This is just not in keeping with the local scene. Its effect will be detrimental to all the people within that area," added Coun Mike Layland.

But Coun Geoff Williams defended the plans, maintaining he heard no reason to refuse them that could be defended at a potential appeal against the decision.

The committee voted by seven votes to two to refuse the application and turn over the officers' recommendation of approval.