PLANS for eight houses to be built in a village near Droitwich have been deferred.

Despite previously being deferred, developers were sent away again to look at their plans for houses on land north of Harrow Lane.

The plans, put forward by Cala Homes, were discussed at the meeting of Wychavon District Council's planning committee on Thursday afternoon.

Donald Worthy, of Salwarpe Parish Council, said: "This is the largest development in Himbleton for 50 years. We have problems with flooding and surface water drainage in the village.

"The parish council objects to proposals for expansion on the site area beyond what the South Worcestershire Development Plan said we needed, which was six houses. We don't like the number of houses or the size of the houses and we would like to see more fitting rural features. There should be a focus on two and three bedroom houses. These large houses will see a large level of car ownership, and lead to problems with street parking in the village."

Planning officers told councillors that plans were originally put forward for nine homes, but that this number had been reduced, and the eight houses will range from one bedroom to five bedroom homes.

Local resident Keeley Nicholas said: "I'm speaking on behalf of local residents. We are concerned about the effect this development will have on the village. We are a small village with few amenities and our sewage system struggles to cope. Many homes regularly flood and more homes will put more pressure on the primitive sewage system."

Speaking on behalf of Cala Homes, Mark Gay, said: "We reduced our housing numbers. We have made the eight houses spaced further apart, which we were previously asked to do and redesigned them in contemporary style."

Eleven people voted for the plans to be deferred so that the size, height and mix of houses can be further looked at.

Two voted against the deferment.