Elgar Housing Association has agreed to change controversial plans for a new access road in Malvern after residents organised a petition in protest.

Architects are drawing up new plans for the development in Marsh Close to try and appease tenants.

The association had applied for planning permission to build three bungalows and an access road over what is now a footpath. A planning notice was put up at the site but made no mention of the road, which resident Denise Hodgson says is the sticking point.

Angered at a perceived lack of consultation by Elgar, Ms Hodgson organised a petition against the access road, which has been signed by almost 30 people who live in the Marsh Close and Steamer Point area.

She said the road was unnecessary and would deprive the area of green space and local children of somewhere to play away from heavier traffic.

"It wasn't until people started looking at the plans that they realised an access road was going in. There's an access road already there, coming in from Orford Way," she said.

"Why do they have to rip up what bit of greenery we've got? It's just absolutely ridiculous."

Richard Grounds, commercial director from the housing association, said he was aware of residents' reservations after his colleagues listened to their concerns.

He said revised plans, with a new access road, were being drawn up after a meeting with architects last week and should be submitted to Malvern Hills District Council shortly.

"We hope that that would deal with any concerns that residents might have," said Mr Grounds.