A DECISION by Bromsgrove planners to reject a controversial application to build hundreds of homes in Whitford has been upheld by the planning inspector.

The application, from Catesby Estates Ltd and Miller Homes Ltd, was to build 490 homes on land off Whitford Road.

But the campaign group, Whitford Vale Voice (WVV), was formed to fight the plans.

After two deferrals, a year ago Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee decided to reject the scheme after councillors voiced concern about the impact on road infrastructure.

The applicants continually highlighted Worcestershire Highways verdict that there would be no significant impact on the road network, which led to an appeal to the Planning Inspector.

It has now been announced the applicant's appeal has been dismissed.

In the report the Inspector said: "Unless the scheme would deliver mitigation which can be shown to be both adequate and effective, the proposed development would have significant adverse consequences, in terms of traffic congestion, ease of movement and safety.

"Together, these effects would in my view amount to a severe cumulative impact on the local transport network."

One of the leading campaigners against the proposal, Hill Top councillor Luke Mallett, described the inspector's decision as good news and said campaigners' arguments had been found to be wholly right by the inspector.

He added: "Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Councillor have now got to get their heads together and sort out the road infrastructure in Bromsgrove."

• Catesby Estates Ltd was contacted for a comment on the decision, but has not yet responded.