A NEW housing development in Eckington was put on hold by planners at Wychavon District Council until the consultation period has ended.

The application by Cala Homes on land to the rear of Roman Meadow in Eckington, near Pershore, was deferred on Thursday by the planning committee who said they would visit the site and allow the public consultation period to run its course.

Councillor Maggie Forrest, from Eckington Parish Council, spoke at the meeting and asked for the decision concerning the application to be put off.

"We take issue with the fact that this application is being decided before the consultation period expires on October 16," she said.

"There's significant concern over this development as show by the level of objections."

The parish council also raised the argument that the site is only allocated for 26 homes in the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan and they said there was concerns over the housing mix.

Cllr Linda Robinson added: "I think we should defer and have a site visit. Give time for the consultation to run and hopefully for for more even consultation to go on between the parish council and Cala in the meanwhile."