WORK on a housing development in Malvern has been stopped after the developer breached planning permission.

Persimmon Homes is currently building 310 homes at the former QinetiQ site of St Andrews Road having been granted permission last year.

The council had approved a number of conditions before work could take place which allowed the developer to carry out site clearance and demolition works, which started earlier this year.

However, the council say they were made aware that building works had progressed beyond this stage.

A spokesman said: "Construction work has been carried out in breach of a number of planning conditions covering a range of technical and environmental matters.

"The notices require any work on the land (excluding site clearance and demolition) to stop immediately.

READ MORE: Complaints over dust and noise from former QinetiQ site in Malvern

"Work can only begin again once certain conditions of the planning permission have been approved in writing by Malvern Hills District Council. Tree protection measures also need to be put in place."

Since the notices were issued, work on the site has stopped and Persimmon Homes is in discussion with the council to resolve the situation.

Cllr David Harrison, portfolio holder for planning, infrastructure and flooding at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "The district council takes all breaches of planning control very seriously especially breaches of planning conditions.

"It is not acceptable for a well established housebuilder or indeed any other developer - that should be aware of planning procedures and understand the importance of planning conditions - to carry out a development before conditions have properly been met.

"I hope this sends out a strong message to all developers operating in our area that we will not hesitate to take formal action where it is in the public interest to do so."

Earlier this year Persimmon defended themselves after residents complained about the dust and noise from the site.

READ MORE: Stunning photos show former QinetiQ site in Malvern prior to demolition

A spokesman for the developer, Persimmon Homes South Midlands, said: “We are not the principal contractor for this site and a sub-contractor has been appointed to carry out the demolition work on QinetiQ. However, we will certainly pass on people’s concerns.

“The demolition work involved is quite extensive and we believe it may continue until the autumn.

“We are committed to developing the site in a sensitive way that will enhance the local community and believe it will have an immensely positive impact on the area. We will bring 310 new homes to Malvern, where a new community can flourish which in turn will support jobs and the local economy. The properties will include two, three and four-bedroom homes.

“Twenty per cent of the properties will be allocated as affordable homes. The scheme will also include cycle ways, public open space and play areas and landscaping."

The site borders the nearby Chase School, in addition to houses along Court Road and the Malvern College playing field.

The site sits on the boundary of Malvern’s Conservation Area, and there are a number of listed buildings in the vicinity.