JUBILANT campaigners who fought against a proposed housing development on Bewdley fields are celebrating after an independent planning inspector backed a council’s decision to reject the plan.

Inspector Matthew Nunn upheld Wyre Forest District Council’s decision to turn down Gladman Development’s plan to build 195 new homes on land at Bark Hill. His decision came after an eight-day public inquiry in October last year.

Mr Nunn said he had serious concerns about the adverse impact such a scheme would have on the rural landscape of Bewdley.

Rod Stanczyszyn, chairman of the Bewdley Says No to Gladman group which was set up in August 2016 and carried out a dedicated campaign against the plan, said they were delighted with the decision.

Gladman had argued there was an acute need for more homes in the area and added that 59 of their properties would be affordable housing.

During the inquiry, they also argued they’d addressed concerns over the impact on the air quality of the already heavily polluted Welch Gate area, as well as fears on conservation issues.

But while Mr Nunn accepted the development would provide much needed housing and economic benefits to the area, he rejected Gladman’s appeal.

He said: “I consider that the adverse impacts of granting permission, specifically the very serious material harm to the rural character of the locality and incursion of development into the countryside would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme.”

Mr Stanczyszyn said: “We are absolutely delighted that the planning inspector has said no to Gladman.

“He has dismissed their appeal against Wyre Forest District Council's refusal to allow development across a valued and significant green landscape.

“The application was inappropriate, not least due to the overwhelming public opposition to it.

“We have been told that the 800 plus individual letters and emails from the community, expressing strong and well-reasoned objections, was unprecedented.

“So I want to take this opportunity to thank all those from the community in Bewdley and Wyre Forest who have supported the campaign in any way, whether it was written, financial, time, energy or moral.

“Also, I wish to mention the public figures and local groups who placed on record their opposition to the proposed development.

“Community spirit has united to defeat the speculative 'planning promoter', Gladman, whose only intent is to make profit by undermining local planning authorities and their efforts to make sustainable planning decisions. Gladman will never be part of the solution to planning issues.”

The council’s Planning Committee chairman Stephen Williams added: “I very much welcome the planning inspector upholding the planning committee’s objections and dismissing this appeal.

“His decision will be greeted by many residents in and around Bewdley who were genuinely concerned about the sheer size of the proposed development and the detrimental effect it would have on the area.”