COUNCILLORS applied "local knowledge and common sense" to grant planning permission for a detached bungalow in Coles Green, Leigh Sinton.

The proposal had been recommended for refusal by planning officers because of its isolated rural location.

But members of Malvern Hills District Council’s northern area development management committee approved the plan for The Dell site at a meeting on Wednesday evening (February 4).

Stephen Seymour, of Leigh and Bransford Parish Council, said during the meeting: "We strongly support this application.

"This site is within a small group of twelve residential properties and was previously the site of a house and garden.

"Not everyone wishes to live in an urban environment with pavements, street lights and a shop on every corner.

"The point of rural eco living is to reduce reliance on urban infrastructure by low energy use and producing your own food.

"This is what we should be promoting."

He added that the applicant is a self-employed builder who mainly works within the parish. He currently lives in Coles Green with his family about 500 yards from the planning site.

Councillor Anthony Warburton, of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "There are no concerns about traffic, it will not be visible from the highway and an existing low-cost house will be freed up in the area when the applicant moves into the new bungalow.

"I am almost forced to ask what is there not to like?"

Councillor Paul Swinburn added members were present at the meeting to "apply local knowledge and common sense" rather than necessarily follow officer recommendations.

The planning application was approved by eight votes to five.