A CONTENTIOUS development of 92 homes in Hartlebury has been given the go-ahead.

Councillors approved the Taylor Wimpey plans for land to the west of Old Worcester Road on Thursday (May 28) despite vocal opposition from the community.

A parish councillor said the new estate would have a “damaging impact” on the village while one aggrieved resident claimed living standards would be reduced.

But Taylor Wimpey insisted its proposals were in accordance with the area’s master plan and Wychavon District Council’s planning committee approved the scheme.

Sandra Hickman, vice-chairman of Hartlebury Parish Council, said: “These proposals will damage our village and have a damaging impact on residents.

“We remain very concerned about a large, dense and insensitively designed estate being built in our village.”

Resident Chris Greatbatch added: “New properties will be too close to existing properties.

“They will overlook existing houses and seriously reduce privacy.

“This estate will offend the living standards of current residents.”

Her pleas however fell on deaf ears as councillors, who had granted outline planning permission at a previous meeting, approved specific details of the housing project’s appearance and layout.

Plans for the four-hectare site, which falls within the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan, include open spaces, access roads, landscaping and 28 affordable properties.

Kathryn Ventham, speaking on behalf of Taylor Wimpey, said: “This site benefits from an allocation of 100 dwellings in the SWDP.

“The scheme accords with the emerging SWDP, has outline planning permission and has been subject to agreement with residents and council representatives.”

During the debate Councillor Bradley Thomas said “this was always going to be quite contentious” but proposed the council approve the bid.

Councillor Rob Adams seconded the proposal, with the proviso that he “does feel for the people who live in this area”.

The application was approved by 12 votes to three.