Planning permission for a detached house and new play area at Forge Courtyard, Canon Frome, has been refused by Herefordshire Council.

Officers recommended refusal at a meeting on Wednesday and councillors on the northern area planning sub-committee agreed.

It was said the development would be contrary to the Malvern Hills local plan and that a proposed play area, submitted in support of the application, was contrary to planning policy on security grounds, as it would be isolated.

Permission was declined despite a petition from 34 local people in support, and only one letter of objection.

At the same meeting, permission was refused for a one-bedroom property to the rear of Eastnor House, off Worcester Road.

Ledbury representative Barry Ashton said he had concerns over extra traffic going onto Worcester Road off a narrow access road, only wide enough for one car at a time.

Permission has been granted for six all-year round catering lodges at New-bridge Farm, Aylton.

They will be timber built and set back off the road, behind recently planted woodland.