PLANS for 41 new homes in Rushwick, near Worcester, have been given the go-ahead despite concerns around the impact on flooding in the area.

The outline planning application for the land off Bransford Road was discussed at a meeting of Malvern Hills District Council’s Northern Area Development Management Committee, where members heard 120 letters of objection had been received against the plans, with the potential impact on flooding one of the most pressing concerns.

Nearby hamlet Broadmore Green to the south west of the village has flooded in the past, most notably in 2007, and many objectors said they were concerned the development would make the situation worse.

Speaking at the meeting chairman of Rushwick Parish Council Andrew Deakin said the application had provoked “a great deal of anxiety” among residents in the village, but that he and his colleagues were resigned to the fact that it was inevitable the scheme would be granted.

“With that in mind Rushwick Parish Council is minded to get the best deal it can for parishioners,” he said.

But Philip Rawle of PRP Consultants, representing applicant Matthew Gallagher, said these risks had been taken into account in the application.

“The advantages are clear and compelling,” he said.

“(The application) will deliver affordable housing helping local people priced out of the market to buy their own homes.

“There are no subjective disadvantages to this scheme.”

But Cllr Douglas Godwin said he was wary about the application.

“This is a very difficult application,” he said.

“I have particular concerns around the drainage issues.”

Cllr Dean Clarke said he was also concerned noise from the development would affect events at the nearby village hall.

Planning officer Anthony Young said it was important the development was able to “wash its own face” in terms of dealing with its own drainage and did not place additional strain on the village’s system.

“In planning terms it shouldn’t make the situation worse,” he said. “We are reasonably confident that we will get an improvement from the current situation.

“Like with everything else we are having to measure away the harm against the benefit.”

Members voted to approve the application by six votes to three, with two abstentions.