A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build 61 new homes in Wychbold has been given the green light by Wychavon planners.

The application to build the homes, which include a mixture of bungalows and two to four bedroom houses, on land off Crown Lane, went before Wychavon District Council’s planning committee at its latest meeting held on Thursday, (September 13).

The plans, submitted by applicant Persimmon Homes, had attracted criticism from villagers, with Wychavon District Council receiving a number of letters of objection.

Among the objections raised by residents were that there would be an increase in traffic in roads around the development, with more queueing at the Crown Lane, A38 junction, and the scheme is not in character with the village.

Some villagers suggested land east of the A38 would be more suitable for the development.

A traffic assessment carried out concluded the increase in vehicles using the junction would have "little impact", and the Highways Agency raised no objects.

Councillors approved the scheme at the meeting, subject to the completion of a legal agreement to secure developer contribution towards various areas including improvement of recycling, education, open space and leisure in the local area.