CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans to build a new housing estate in a Vale village have stepped up their fight by taking an advert out in the Evesham Journal.

The group is rallying against proposals to build 59 houses on land off Station Road in Bretforton, which have been put forward by the Kler Group, and will be considered by Wychavon District Council's planning committee today (April 24).

The advert, in last week's newspaper, highlights the main worries surrounding the plans, including footpath safety, flood risk, the non sustainability of Bretforton as it has no shop and poor public transport, the site is not part of the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan and if successful a protected tree would have to be removed.

The plan was considered in January but was deferred following a tight vote in the chamber and advise by the council's head of planning suggesting should the application go to an appeal they would be unlikely to win and would therefore face hefty charges.

Now the application is due back in front of planners but the campaigners in the village do not believe their concerns have been resolved.

Don Bird, of Station Road, Bretforton, is part of the group opposing the plans. He said: "Wychavon is pursuing a cavalier, high risk, almost suicidal flood management strategy and we have completely lost faith in council officers.

"Our elected District Councillors are repeatedly bullied, by unelected council officers, into approving dubious planning applications."

The local people also contacted a drainage expert who reviewed the application and said the latest proposals could well increase the risk of flooding.

Also part of the opposition is Stuart Ward, of Fallon Lane, in Bretforton, wrote to the council to object.

He said: "We do not believe that any of the issues raised by members on January 9 have been satisfactorily addressed. I do not recall one voice in favour of approving this application other than council officers."

But Giorgio Framalicco, head of housing and planning, said they were there to advise the committee, who had the final decision

"Planning officers provide their advice to councillors in order to help them make a decision," he said.

"This includes advice on the implications of a proposed decision and any risks associated with it. Ultimately, the committee makes the final decision after taking account of all the relevant matters before them, which includes the professional advice of their officers."