CONTROVERSIAL plans to permanently install four caravans for travellers near Malvern Link railway station have been refused partly because they could cause ‘significant and demonstrable’ harm to the privacy of residents living nearby.
The potential plot, earmarked for Malvern Link storage depot off Howsell Road, previously had temporary consent for the storage of caravans but permanent permission has been swiftly rejected by Malvern Hills District Council planning chiefs without it going to the council’s planning committee.
As the Observer reported in January, the plans had been met by a severe backlash from residents and councillors who had expressed disapproval to the proposal which was submitted by applicants Simon Doherty and Tom Donaghue from Nottinghamshire.
But authority bosses have thrown out the plans due to a number of issues including privacy to residents living on the adjacent Redland Road.
Duncan Rudge, development control manager at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The proposed development would result in the potential for future occupiers of the site to look directly into the rear facing windows of properties located on Redland Road.
“The resultant loss of privacy would be detrimental to the residential amenity of those properties.
“This would cause significant and demonstrable harm to the amenity of the occupiers.”
The proposed development was also thrown out because it would prejudice the future ability to improve transport infrastructure at Malvern Link railway station.
Mr Rudge added: “It would remove an opportunity to improve access to the rail network in the county and to support aspirations for economic and housing growth.”
Other reasons behind the development’s rejection was due to the potential impact the site would have on the district’s noise levels, wildlife and a nearby garage business.
Many residents expressed their fears over the application with several stating concerns over the affect it would have on their homes.
One resident said in a submitted response to the plans: “I feel it will have a hugely detrimental effect on the values of all the properties in Redland Road and surrounding roads and look very unsightly to anyone approaching Malvern Link Station on the train.”
Malvern Town Council’s strategic planning committee objected to the plans saying the land had been earmarked for a potential park and ride scheme under its emerging Neighbourhood Plan project.
The Observer contacted Heine Planning Consultancy – the applicant’s agent – for a response but the firm refused to comment.
Previously the applicant’s agent stated in a planning document that the site’s location was ‘clearly appropriate’.
It is unknown at this stage whether the applicant will appeal the refusal or not.
