A PLAN to build 40 homes in a village near Evesham has been met with disapproval from neighbours.

The move by housebuilders the Deeley Group would see 40 new homes built off Stratford Road in Honeybourne, five miles from Evesham.

The plan was met by a wave of opposition from villagers who said the village was becoming too big and its rural setting should be protected.

In total, more than 80 objections were made to Wychavon District Council during consultation.

One objector, Mick Mullins of Stratford Road, said residents needed to fight against more homes being built or Honeybourne would stop being a village.

“If we don't push back now, we will be a village no more,” he said. “Say no to increased pressures on existing infrastructure, more traffic and pollution, and destruction of our beautiful countryside.

“This latest application goes against the vision set out in the village’s neighbourhood plan.

“We have huge drainage problems at the railway bridges every time there is heavy rain. The bridges flood regularly, many cars have been destroyed driving through the floods.

“Any more building will add to the problem.”

A plan by Owl Homes to build 65 homes on nearby fields off Harvard Avenue was backed by Wychavon District Council in 2020.

Another objector, Ernie Locke, who would be living opposite the new estate in Mickleton Road, said the residential street was unsuitable for the extra traffic the new homes would create.

“[The village’s] primary school and doctors surgery do not have the capacity to support this additional housing,” he added.

“The recent Owl development has caused increased surface water and flooding risk on Mickleton Road. This proposed development will only make matters worse.”

Flooding in the village is already a huge issue according to residents who believe that new homes are currently being built and a further 40 could deepen the problem.

Kevin and Lynne Browne, also of Mickleton Road said: We moved here because we wanted to live in a village and believe Honeybourne has had more than its fair share of developments over the years.

“Traffic has already increased beyond what a village of this size can sustain. In heavy rain flooding of the roads is a problem and this will only increase with more development.”