UPDATED Friday.

Malvern Hills Trust announced this morning that a meeting to decide on a controversial access plan has now been postponed.

Chief executive Duncan Bridges said the decision had been made after the trust received information that merited further investigation.

The meeting is now likely to be held early in the new year.

The trust has been sent an application by developer the Rose Farm Partnership for permission to build an access road across the common to serve a proposed new housing estate.

The permission, technically known as an "easement", can be granted by the trust in return for a payment.

The trust had arranged a special meeting on Tuesday specifically to make a decision on the issue, but that will not now be held.

The application has drawn criticism from local people, not only because of its impact on the common, but because they fear the impact of the new housing in the environment.

Stuart Brown, who lives in Chance Lane, off Guarlford Road, says: "We know that this is not a planning application, but we fear that if the Rose Farm Partnership gets permission for the easement, the next thing we will get is a planning application to Malvern Hills District Council.

"If that is approved, and bearing in mind the proposed Mill Lane development on the opposite side of Guarlford Road, it will in effect extending the urban boundary of Malvern eastward towards the village of Guarlford. It will change the character of the entire area."

If the easement is approved, it will mean the trust could receive a payment of not less than £2 million.

A report describes the easement site as "an area which is clearly greatly enjoyed and appreciated by people living in the locality".

"The board has to weigh this against the impact that a capital receipt of not less than £2 million would have on MHT's availability to carry out its functions."