PLANS for a new business park near Malvern have been approved by councillors.

ZX Lidars wanted permission to build its new headquarters at Willow End Park, and councillors approved the plans despite a dispute over land access.

At a planning meeting on June 30, Malvern Hills District Council planning officer Simon Rowles told the committee the plans had been altered, despite having been approved earlier this year.

He said: "This application is back before the committee because of considerations relating to land ownership with a neighbouring property."

This, he said, needed to be considered again.

According to Mr Rowles, the neighbouring property would share an access with the site, and the owners were concerned over the heavy traffic from vehicles entering and exiting the business park.

The committee heard from a Mr Kirby, speaking on behalf of the developers.

He said: "I would like to thank officers for a very detailed report. It had been the applicant's intention to provide an improved driveway, but they can no longer do it.

"Highways have provided information including visibility display pictures and accident records, which show no injuries or accidents there in 20 years, which is as far back as the data goes."

Councillors voted in favour of the plans, with 13 voting in favour, one against, and no abstentions.

Wind measuring company ZX Lidars revealed plans to move its headquarters back to the county it originated from as part of an expansion of Willow End Business Park.

The plan would create around 150 jobs, ZX Lidars said.

The firm, which makes technology which is used by on-and-offshore wind turbines and farms, is currently based near Ledbury and has earmarked Willow End as the sites for its new 5,000 square metre home for research and development following a two-year search.

A total of 26 objections were made to the council alongside 16 messages of support.

Objectors were concerned about building on open countryside and the destruction of the green belt as well as the lack of walking and cycling facilities and public transport serving the site.