CAMPAIGNERS against proposals to build houses on an old railway yard are declaring a “minor victory” after forcing a rethink by government planning inspectors.

Members of the action group fighting against plans for 20 new houses on the Old Railway Yard at Malvern Wells have been at loggerheards with the Planning Inspectorate since March, over a matter of procedure.

It is the latest twist to the saga, which has been running since 2007.

Residents opposed to the plans have now won a reversal on the inspectorate’s earlier decision not to allow them to comment on the housing developer’s statement of case for the site.

The residents, armed with legal advice, had previously reserved their right to comment.

But when they posted their submissions to the Bristol-based inspectorate, the paperwork was sent back as it had been received after the deadline.

The action group instructed a barrister and asked local MP Sir Michael Spicer to intervene.

Now they have received written confirmation their comments will be considered.

Both Malvern Hills District Council and the developer Landmarque Sites now have the chance to put forward their own views in response to the residents’ comments.

Terry Price, of Fruitlands, who has campaigned vocally against the scheme, said: “It’s a small victory for us.

“They were adamant they weren’t going to allow us to comment on the late statement of case and now they’ve relented.”

Landmarque, now in administration, tabled seperate proposals for 44, 33 and 24 new homes but when the latest application was refused in September last year they appealed.

While residents are not opposed to the principle of new homes they believe current plans would leave the site off Peachfield Road, over-developed.