AN ‘EXCITING’ development in Leigh Sinton has been given the green light by councillors.
Two homes will be built on Stocks Lane after Malvern Hills District Council’s Northern Area Development Management Committee went against officers’ recommendation to reject the application.
Fears were raised by Ian Hiscock, assistant planning officer, about the sustainability of the Sinton Meadows site with concerns over pedestrians having to walk down the unlit lane – without a footpath – to get into the village.
However there were no objections from the highways department or the parish council and Anthony Warburton, who represented the area, was all for the detached properties.
“The proposal has been criticised for being isolated,” he said. “But I don’t believe it is isolated.
“I worry we are being urged to apply an urban approach to the countryside and I think that is wrong and does not make sense.
“I think it is time for us to get a little more real with motor transport in the countryside, we could not live how we live or where we live if it does not exist.”
David Hughes, who also represented the area, added: “Life in the rural areas is full of exiting opportunities.
“This site does give the opportunity for people to have a pleasant walk into the centre of Leigh Sinton and it is not harmful to the visual character of the area.
“This is an exciting concept which should be encouraged by us all.”
A total of seven members voted for proposals, five went against it and one abstained.
