PLANS to build a housing estate in St John's have been thrown out by city councillors.

Members of the Worcester City Council planning committee yesterday decided the proposals for 39 apartments and eight

three-storey town houses at Henwick Halt were against planning guidelines, and refused permission for the development.

Councillors were also told the plans did not meet targets for affordable housing in the city.

Coun Gary Kibblewhite said the committee could not allow itself to go against planning policy.

"We cannot be seen to walk across all of our local plans and these proposals are trying to do that," he said.

"The developers are almost blackmailing the planning committee, and I am not happy with the situation."

The committee refused planning permission by a six to four majority.