A SCHEME to build 67 affordable homes in Evesham has been approved by councillors.

The development, which will feature a mix of one to four-bedroom homes, will be built at Merrybrook Farm off Pershore Road.

Wychavon District Council’s planning committee deferred the application in August but changes were made to the scheme before it came back this month.

According to developer Stonebond it now features two distinct “character areas” called ‘rural edge’ and ‘the town’.

“The result is a rural appearance that slowly transitions into the built form,” a spokesman for the developer told the committee.

READ MORE: Plan to build 70 'affordable' new homes revealed

Ground floor maisonettes will now feature wet rooms and there will also be bungalows included suitable for elderly residents.

Cllr Emma Kearsey said the changes were to be commended and gave the development a “graduated movement from the rural landscape to the urban design”.

Cllr Robert Raphael said: “Design and layout are greatly improved but that does not mitigate the fact this is a greenfield site on the edge of an already overburdened town.

“By allowing this development to further spread the urban sprawl of Evesham even closer towards the villages, we are at risk of changing and damaging our communities beyond recognition.

“It’s a good application but in the wrong location.”

Cllr John Clatworthy raised concerns about the speed limit near the access to the proposed development.

But Cllr Paul Middlebrough said: “The issues relating to speed - they’re there today, they were there last week, they were there probably 10 years ago.”

He said residents should lobby the county council to improve the situation, but added: “In terms of this planning application, it’s irrelevant.”

A statement included with the application said: “The site is within a sustainable location, given the numerous services and facilities locally. Access to them will be via safe, pleasant streets for cyclists and pedestrians.

“Substantial and useable public open space is included in the scheme, offering places to play and walk.

“The site adjoins a modern housing estate and would form a natural extension of the town but provide a softer edge to the rural hinterland.”

Committee members approved the plans unanimously.