PROPERTY speculators behind a controversial 195-home proposal in Bewdley set out ambitions for a development twice that size just two years ago, documents have revealed.

Paperwork, obtained by campaigners battling Gladman Development’s application for land off Lakes Road, showed the company talking about a 400-dwelling development, with smaller one and two bedroom properties not being built for 10 to 15 years.

The two Wyre Forest District Council Local Plan Review 2015 ‘call for sites’ forms were submitted by Gladman and an agent working on behalf of the landowner to the authority in 2014.

Members of the ‘Say No to Gladman’ campaign group acquired the information via a Freedom of Information request.

Last month, the company submitted a planning application to build 195 houses, 59 of which would be affordable properties, on the farm land.

Gladman has declined to comment on the documents or their plans when contacted by The Shuttle. But in their application and in literature sent to residents, they say there is a need for more housing in Bewdley.

They also pledged to make contributions to the relevant authorities for any impact on the local infrastructure such as highways and schools.

But the campaigners believe the development will ruin the landscape value of the area, add to existing traffic and pollution problems and increase pressure on schools and medical facilities.

Bewdley Town Council formally rejected the 195-home proposal earlier this month while Wyre Forest District Council turned down an earlier application to build a stable for keeping horses and changing the use of the land from its current agricultural status.

Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee will make a decision on the current outline planning permission in due course.

Rod Stanczyszyn, chairman of Say No to Gladman, said: “There are two forms for the site and the documents are very telling.

“They clearly show that Gladman wanted to build 400 homes on the land. And they also state, in these plans, they intended on building one and two bedroom properties last in 10 to 15 years’ time.

“Gladman have talked about a commitment to affordable housing needs but these documents don’t really support that.”

He added: “We are extremely pleased that the stables application was turned down. We always believed this was a smoke screen to establish a ‘change of use’ principle and this is a small step in the right direction.

“But we won’t get complacent. We are encouraged by how the campaign has gone and I want to thank all the supporters for their contributions.”