PLANS to build 33 new homes at the former QinetiQ site in Malvern have been approved.

Plans for the site went before Malvern Hills District Council’s Southern Area Planning Committee on December 16 and were given the green-light by councillors, though concerns were raised over road safety near the site.

Malvern Town Council objected the plans over the density of the housing, having seen the site increase from 28 to 33 houses since outline approval was first granted in 2010.

Concerns were also raised about the site being on a "dangerous" bend and whether a pedestrian footpath nearby would be closed during the work.

Defending the plans, Joe Bennett, representing the applicants Piper Group and Square Bay, said the applicants have worked with officers to address concerns over the site, saying cycle storage and an improved footpath had been added to the site.

Ward councillor Caroline Baldwin said affordable houses are "much needed" in Malvern and praised the work done by the applicants and council officers, but agreed there were still concerns over highways access.

She said: "When I originally saw the plan, some of the signs could be quite confusing over where to give way and where not to."

Nigel Gorski, representing Worcestershire County Council's Highways department, called the visibility at the site access "substandard" adding road changes would have to be made to improve the safety of residents entering.

He added the signage was only "indicative" at this stage and would be likely to change.

The plans for the "Barrack Stores" site are for 33 homes including an apartment block. All the houses are expected to be affordable dwellings.

The site is bordered by houses to the west, while on the east, the site has the playing fields of Malvern College and a small wooded area.

The recommendation for approval was proposed by Cllr Mick Davies and seconded by Cllr Natalie McVey.

Councillors welcomed the provision of affordable homes in Malvern, saying the development would help with housing pressure in the district.

There were 13 votes in favour of the scheme and none against. Only one councillor, Cllr Martin Allen, abstained.