A fresh proposal to construct 14 new homes on agricultural land bordering Malvern has been formally submitted to the local authority, just months after a smaller scheme for the same plot was thrown out.
Revised Scheme Follows Rejection and Failed Appeal
The new application comes after Malvern Hills District Council rejected a previous plan for nine properties last year. That scheme, which comprised six market-rate houses and three self-build plots on land north of Grit Lane, was subsequently dismissed by a planning inspector in March 2025 following an appeal by the developer.
Undeterred, the applicant has now lodged outline proposals for a larger development on the identical plot. The revised application details a mix of eight market-rate properties, four affordable dwellings, and two self-build plots.
Access and Local Concerns
The plans propose creating an access route by widening and resurfacing an existing farm track from Leigh Sinton Road. The developer argues that improving the current "uneven, potholed surface" would benefit users of the public footpaths that cross the area and that the "semi-rural character" of the road, which has a 40mph speed limit, would not be substantially altered.
However, the proposal has already sparked local concern. Residents Nigel and Sam Graham stated, "Whilst we accept that the applicant has included affordable housing... there are now to be more houses than there were originally, creating more of a carbon footprint and putting increased pressure on local infrastructure."
Another resident, Anthony Duke, questioned the logic, asking how the council could agree to this application when one for "nine eco houses" had been refused.
Landowner Raises Access Questions
A significant point of contention is the farm track itself. Notehouse Farms, which operates an adjacent cider apple farm and owns the track, has raised concerns. They confirmed the applicant's right of way is limited and stated, "The agricultural track in its present condition is not suitable for the development as proposed." They further noted it is unclear how the applicant intends to upgrade the track to form a safe surface for all users.
The council will now consider the outline application, which marks the latest chapter in the ongoing debate over development on this patch of Malvern farmland.
