A REDUNDANT haulage yard at Martley is inappropriate for residential development, say Malvern Hills planning officers.

They are recommending refusal of a plan by Taylors of Martley to build 24 houses on a redundant haulage yard.

A previous plan for 12 houses was turned down last year and the number has now been increased in line with government guidance on housing density.

Five of the proposed houses would be low-cost homes and two would be tied to employees of Taylors of Martley.

But the site is outside the settlement boundary and is served by an infrequent bus service.

Officers say the land should be "rigorously" marketed for employment purposes before being considered for other development.