FURIOUS residents living near an historic Worcester site say the failure to follow the original plans for a new housing development has led to an "overbearing" development, and a major invasion of their privacy.

In 2015, the Worcester News followed the campaign of residents living near to land know as the Pratley's Estate in Rose Bank, off London Road - with a petition against the development attracting hundreds of signatures.

Matthews City & Country Homes was granted permission for 35 homes at the site in November 2015.

Work began but only a section of the new homes, which back onto the gardens of residents' homes in Edward Close, has been completed.

Work on the Montgomery and Mews properties was halted for weeks when developers realised it was not in accordance with original plans, but has now resumed.

Residents say one of the key issues is that work started from a ground level higher than in the approved plans, which has meant residents living in the new properties would see into gardens.

Cllr Jabba Riaz, who represents the area, said: "The original descriptions that the architects had drawn up had shown that the level was at least another one-and-a-half metres lower, which would mean only the top of the windows would have been visible from back gardens.

"The residents came to a conclusion that was a compromise - but what has turned out, in reality, is something completely unacceptable.

"Developers and the planning committee have a duty of care to residents.

"We have seen it far too many times before - developers don't build to the original plans and design.

"All that does is anger residents."

He added everyone recognised Worcester needs housing - but developers needed to get it right.

An application is going before the planning committee tomorrow that is looking to substitute approved building designs for revised plans.

The application has been recommended for approval by planning officers who say in their report that although they recognise residents concerns, the benefits delivered by the application, together with the strong presumption in favour of sustainable development, weigh "strongly" in its favour.

But Edward Close resident Sue Bailey said: "I would urge the planning department to prioritise supporting local residents in retaining their right to privacy and security, rather than the urgency to pass this application, in order to enable this development to be constructed as quickly as possible."

Another resident, Chloe Perry, added: "It is shoddy workmanship - if they approve this application they set a precedent.

"They should never have been granted permission for it to be so close to our homes in the first place.

"They are now putting trees up - but no matter how big those trees get it (the new build) is still going to be on the level of my children's bedrooms."

She added she was "not hopeful" residents' concerns would be listened to by the committee.

Philip Deeley, of RCA Regeneration on behalf of Matthews, said: "After granting permission and development subsequently starting on site, Worcester City Council raised concerns over the accuracy of a section plan showing the relationship between the proposed homes and the existing properties on Edward Close.

"Within 72 hours of the concern being raised, the applicant had submitted new plans seeking to amend five of the previously approved properties.

"The newly proposed plots are seeking to reduce the four terraced properties by an entire storey in height.

"Furthermore, the previously approved dormer bungalow has also been lowered in height.

"This revised proposal has sought to respond to the concerns raised and deliver housing that meets the council’s design policies."

The application will be considered by planning committee members at meeting taking place at Worcester Guildhall from 1.30pm.