DEVELOPERS trying to build 200 homes at Worcester's Middle Battenhall Farm have come under fresh criticism - after it was suggested the firm pays a "paltry" £1.2 million towards easing congestion.

In the event of possible planning permission over the ancient beauty spot, Worcester City Council and Miller Homes have come to an arrangement that it forks out £1.2 million to improve public transport and the roads.

The deal is known as a Section 106 agreement, deals which are routinely used to ensure the impact of any new developments do not hit the public purse.

The cash would only be payable if the firm wins the current controversial planing appeal, which is due to be decided by a national inspector.

But the sum has been described as "far too low" by campaigners, who say they fear the impact 200 properties could have on the busy London Road.

Resident Paul Kelly, 51, of Battenhall Road, attended the last city council planning meeting in August when the appeal was discussed.

He said: "How on earth will around £1 million quid even begin to make much of a difference to people around here?

"We are talking about 200 homes that will be there forever, if they have two cars each that's 400 cars.

"For things not to get worse you need some radical road changes."

But the city council says the sum is a "proportionate response" to the impact it feels the development would have.

Paul O'Connor, development services manager, said: "We have to remember, the contributions are in place to ensure there's a proportionate response to the impact the development would have upon the wider network of social infrastructure, that the developer could not directly contribute to by way of building themselves.

"In respect of transportation contribution, this has been very carefully assessed against the number of dwellings proposed, the potential mix of bedrooms, the surrounding network and the likely impacts on that network."

Around £1.1 million would go towards improving the A44 Whittington Road, from the junction with Spetchley Road junction that could result in roundabout changes, new bus stop infrastructure and walking or cycling upgrades.

Another £125,000 would go into new bus stop provision down Whittington Road, says the council.

A decision over the site is now in an inspector's hands after the city council failed to make a firm decision on it before a 16-week time limit expired, with more than 1,000 objections lodged over it.

A spokesman for Miller Homes said: "The transport contributions attached to the application were agreed in discussion with the council, and offer a real opportunity for major improvements to the local road network.

"Miller Homes believes that its outline proposals for development at this location would provide a high quality and sustainable contribution to meeting Worcester’s identified housing need."