WORCESTER'S MP has cranked up the pressure over finalising a blueprint for 28,370 new homes - saying it is now "crucial" things move fast.

Robin Walker has sought to allay fears Worcester could be targeted by quick-buck builders by saying it would be "ludicrous" if planning inspectors allowed the city to be picked off by developers.

He has also revealed his frustration with the current system, saying he believes the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) should be given more weight anyway.

As your Worcester News revealed yesterday, fears are growing that Worcester faces the prospect of unwanted homes being forced on residents after a shock change in the city's status.

Worcester no longer has a five-year land supply, and is 630 properties short of having all the available land it needs to satisfy nationally-driven targets, meaning developers could chance their arm on getting planning permissions through on appeal via independent inspectors.

The situation will only resolve itself once the SWDP is adopted, because only then can two major urban extensions planned for south Worcester and next to Dines Green form part of the calculations.

Mr Walker said: "We've got an agreed solution in south Worcestershire on where to put new homes and on that basis it would be ludicrous to be told Worcester doesn't have a five-year land supply.

"We've got this plan and I think it should be given more weight anyway.

"If developers are thinking of chancing their arm they're taking an enormous risk, because I think an inspector would come to the conclusion they are not being reasonable.

"But getting that plan through is crucial and while I don't think there's a significant risk, I do want to see it adopted as soon as possible."

The city's Conservative leadership has called the current situation a "theoretical risk", with Councillor David Wilkinson, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, saying he is confident planning chiefs can stave off any vultures until the SWDP is adopted.

Inspector Roger Clews has upped the SWDP blueprint from 23,200 to 28.370 homes across Worcester, Malvern and Wychavon and is currently examining its contents before it can become a working plan.

It is only likely to get the nod towards the end of this year.