AN application for a controversial plan to build new houses in Welford has been refused.

The plan by South Warwickshire Housing Association to build 34 houses, including 17 for sale to local people, 17 affordable homes, six live-and-work units for businesses and a new village green was rejected at a Stratford District Council meeting last Wednesday.

Residents had formed an anti-development group as they felt so strongly against the proposals and many attended the meeting to show their opposition to the plans.

In the application report put forward to the council to make the decision, it was recommended that planning be refused.

Strength of feeling was shown by the parish council which put forward a unanimous decision to "strongly object to application" as it felt there was no "immediate need" for additional housing in the area.

The council also received 393 letters of objection and just one letter supporting the development.

Objections were also forwarded by Councillor Peter Barnes and the highway authority.

Ken Clifton, spokesman for the Welford Residents Action Group (WRAG) said the group was happy with the outcome of the meeting and said he felt it had been a balanced and fair discussion.

He said: "What's come out of this is the united front that the people of Welford have shown."

"We have won a battle but there is a long way to go before we win the war on the developers."

South Warwickshire Housing Association executive director, Dawn Lang, said: "The association is in business to provide affordable housing where a need exists and to help maintain sustainable communities.

"Therefore we are disappointed by this decision. The association will review its position once the detail of the decision notice is received."

Senior planner for Stratford District Council, Liz Nicholson, said that it had been a unanimous decision, which included the inadequate supporting information to justify development on a site with potential for flooding.