CONTROVERSIAL plans for 256 new homes near Worcester have been earmarked for approval by planning officials.

Bloor Homes want to start a major new development on land off Kilbury Drive, near Spetchley, despite fierce opposition from residents but officers at Wychavon District Council have recommended the plans be approved at a meeting tomorrow.

Campaigners living in and around Spetchley Road say the scheme will cause more congestion and pile pressure onto the drainage network.

They also say when it rains puddles of water appear on the land, and want it to be refused.

Because the area sits just yards from the border of Worcester, it falls under the territory of Wychavon District Council.

And a report from the district’s planning team suggests it should be accepted, saying it will give the area a big economic boost.

The developers will be asked for £3.2 million of cash to benefit the neighbourhood if its gets the green light, as well as making 35 per cent of the estate affordable homes.

Councillor Richard Boorn, who represents the Nunnery city council ward, next to the land, has attacked it.

“I find the whole planning system to be totally biased in favour of developers,” he said. “If developers are refused anything, they can appeal, but the public can’t – how is that fair?

“They should have exactly the same rights.

“People have made the point there are flooding issues on that site and when it comes to Spetchley Road, two people have been run down in the last six months.

“I don’t think it’s a level playing field in this country. We’ve got an economy basically built on land value and it’s wrong.”

However, the Wychavon District Council report said the benefits of the development outweigh any negatives.

County Hall has asked for £101,000 towards improving local bus services so they operate hourly from 7am to 7pm.

There are also proposals to improve Redhill roundabout, spend £30,000 on bus shelters down the route and create a new access to the site from Spetchley Road.

New surfacing, lighting and cycle ways will also be part of the overall package, as well as a new public realm in front of the Kilbury Drive shopping parade.

A previous application for the land was refused in January 2012, but the report said the new scheme is a “high quality development” with a “distinctive style” and a good number of affordable homes.

It also said there will be a separate drainage system to cope with the new homes.

The meeting starts at 2pm at the civic centre in Pershore.