TOWNSFOLK are celebrating after an appeal to build 58 houses on the former Stocks Lovell factory in Evesham was rejected by a Government inspector.

Umberslade Securities Limited, of Hockley Heath near Birmingham, applied directly to the Department of the Environment for permission to build the houses after Wychavon District Council failed to determine its application.

However, the inspector for the Secretary of State for the Environment, Alan Bingham, threw out the plans describing the development as "totally alien" to its historic surrounding. He criticised the design of the houses and the layout saying it would block the view to the river and cause overlooking.

"Evesham is a small town that possesses an exquisite character, and is greatly enhanced by the River Avon," he said.

"I consider that any development permitted on this exceptional site should be of the highest quality and in line with the Government's initiative to secure improved design standards."

Chairman of the town's Civic Society Brian Barry said: "We are very pleased that the plans were turned down, and that the inspector holds our town in such high regard.

"I hope now that the developer and the district's planners will get together to sort out a better scheme."

Former mayor of Evesham John Payne said: "I am very pleased for the town and Wychavon's officers who put up a very good case at the inquiry.

"I believe there is a way forward now to ensure that the development on that exceptional site will be a credit to the town for many generations to come."

Wychavon's director of services Roger Ainley said: "We are very pleased with the result. The developer has another plan in the pipeline which is almost identical. It is up to them now to let us know whether they want to amend it or scrap it altogether and start again."

Stuart Hatton, managing director of Umberslade Securities Limited, was unavailable for comment this week.