A PLAN to build 63 affordable homes on farmland in Malvern looks set to be approved next week.

The homes – which includes a number of shared ownership and affordable rent flats, houses and bungalows – would be built by Westleigh Homes on farmland off Charlock Road and Mile Lane in Malvern.

The development includes four one-bed flats, 24 two-bed homes, two two-bed bungalows, 31 three-bed homes and two four-bed homes.

A decision is due to be made by Malvern Hills District Council’s planning committee next Wednesday (April 17) and council planners have recommended the plan is approved.

An outline planning application for 63 homes on the same site off Charlock Road – which would have included around 21 affordable homes – was backed by council planners in April 2015.

The homes would be built near to a separate development of 81 homes – which includes 32 affordable homes - on land off Brook Farm Drive which was approved by council planners in November 2017.

The 4.6 hectare site is allocated for homes within the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) and has been backed by Malvern Town Council.

Highways bosses at Worcestershire County Council have requested £50,400 from the developer to go towards setting up a bus service that would serve the homes and Malvern town centre.

The developer has also been instructed to pay £20,000 for upgrades to two bus shelters in Bluebell Close – including a new shelter, raised kerbs and new timetables.

The council has also asked for the developer to contribute £20,500 to improve walking and cycling routes around the homes.

Land to the south of the homes would remain as recreational space rather than a proposed football pitch – which was approved as part of the original application in 2015 – following a request from Malvern Hills District Council.

A wildlife pond would also be built to the south.

The amount of open space provided to the north and south of the homes has increased to 60 per cent in part because of an increased flood risk.