Concern over housing plans for Callow End

Unpopular plans to build new housing in Callow End are coming back before district planners.

Developer Phillip Ralph wants to build three houses on land off Bush Lane in the village.

Full planning permission is being requested – but it won’t be the first time Malvern Hills District Council has considered the site.

An application for ‘permission in principle’ for up to four homes was refused in December 2022 by the council but granted at appeal by a government inspector in October 2023.

Another application for ‘permission in principle’ – this time for just two homes – was approved by the district council in December 2023.

The latest plans state that a new access off Bush Lane would be created for two of the properties, with an existing access road being used for the other proposed home.

“This will be of a different orientation to the other two plots to allow for suitable access,” a planning statement says.

“The orientation of the properties also provides for good levels of active surveillance over open space and parking areas across the site.

“The site will provide hedgerow both existing and proposed on all boundaries of the development to ensure the development compliments the character of the area.”

Agents Fisher German state: “It is considered that the principle of residential development for up to three market dwellings on the site has already been confirmed.

“Clear and robust justification for the proposed development has been demonstrated and this represents a sustainable form of development.”

Neighbour Christine Wilson raised concern over the safety of “children, pedestrians, horse riders and dog walkers” that Bush Lane should the development go ahead, bringing an increase in vehicles to the area.

Sally Somersby said: “I urgently repeat my previous objections” and asked that planners take into account all objections made to previous applications.

Dozens of villagers had objected to the ‘permission in principle’ applications made in recent years.

“Any new houses built on the proposed land along with the existing surrounding dwellings would create a cul-de-sac, totally inappropriate for the agricultural rural setting,” she said.

“The lane is greatly enjoyed recreationally by visitors walking to the Old Hills, likewise dog walkers.

“Also it is used daily by groups of horse riders who are often from local riding schools. An increase in traffic is a potential hazard for the children and riders on horseback.”