THE number of comments on the planning application for Worcester City FC’s proposed new stadium in Perdiswell has doubled to almost 1,500 – but with this the amount of objections to the plans has rocketed.

Earlier this month your Worcester News reported more than 750 responses had been made to a public consultation on plans to build the new 4,419-seater stadium – with the vast majority firmly in favour of the plans.

Although the official consultation period closed on Monday, April 6, following the massive response Worcester City Council made the unusual decision to say comments submitted after the deadline would also be considered by planning officers.

Although the amount of responses has doubled in just a few weeks, this could spell disaster for City – after an early surge of comments supporting the application, the number of objections has rocketed, with the main concerns revolving around the impact on traffic in Bilford Road on match days and the loss of green space as well as light and noise pollution.

In a letter objecting to the plans Kim Mercer of Wordsworth Avenue wrote she was not against the principal of bringing the club back to Worcester, but was strongly opposed to the plans for Perdiswell.

“The traffic is very frequently backed up of vehicles trying to turn right into the tip making it virtually impossible/dangerous to turn right out of Wordsworth Avenue where I live," she said.

“Parking is already an issue with the surrounding streets being used as an overspill which will become even worse by inconsiderate football supporters increasing that overspill.”

She added she was also concerned about the potential increase in litter as well as foul language from supporters.

Helen Partridge of Woodland Road also wrote: “If anyone coming to watch a football match parks outside my house I shall have something to say about it as I need that space for my disabled mother.”

A six-page letter from campaign group Protect Perdiswell Park is also included on the city council’s online planning portal, which sets out a range of concerns about the plans and claims 852 people living in the area had signed a petition against the proposal.

Although the proportion of comments for and against the plans is not clear, responses in favour of the proposal have also continued to be submitted.

Jennifer Watkins of Boughton Close, St John’s, wrote: “Worcester needs to get football back. We have a lot of talented children in local schools who play football and need our own football centre of excellence which could be achieved with a new ground.”

Another supporter, Joan Limrick of Begoria Close, said: “I have grandchildren and it would be nice if they could still support Worcester City FC without travelling to Kidderminster.”

Although it is not yet clear when a decision will be made on the plans, it could be as early as June.

City has just finished its second season in exile at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough stadium and earlier this month it was announced an agreement between the two clubs to extend the arrangement to next season had been reached.

To view the plans or submit a comment visit www.worcester.go.uk and search for planning application P14M0176.