CONCERNED residents in Kidderminster have rallied against plans to designate farmland behind the Offmore estate for up to 400 new homes.

More than 50 neighbours met at Offmore Evangelical Church last month to discuss their objections to the Wyre Forest Local Plan, in particular a proposal to use grade two agricultural land in Kidderminster's green belt for a new housing development of up to 400 homes.

Residents and local councillors say the potential development would mean the destruction of highly productive agricultural land.

Emma Martin, whose house in Prior Close would be overlooked by any new homes on the site, said: "Our main concern is with protecting this land and the natural preservation of Kidderminster.

"The green belt plays a vital part in separating rural areas of Kidderminster from the West Midlands. A development such as this would only close that gap further.

"We also have nesting birds on that site, as well as more common wildlife like badgers, foxes, hares and so many bats whose homes would be lost.

"On a more person basis, there would be a significant visual impact on our homes. That land is elevated so building on it would result in a loss of privacy for residents that already live in Offmore."

The proposed development would be accessed by a slip road off Husum Way, which residents say would cause major traffic congestion.

Cllr Fran Oborski, district councillor for Offmore and Comberton, said: "Local residents are appalled at the insensitivity of these proposals.

"The local Liberal Democrat councillors Shaz Miah, Alan Totty and myself are in total support of these residents and will be prepared to state their case at public enquiry.”

Councillor Ian Hardiman, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “We are currently consulting on the Pre-Submission Local Plan so residents do have a chance to respond to this consultation.

"All consultation responses received will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate together with the draft Local Plan for the Planning Inspector to consider.”

Residents in Wyre Forest have until Monday (December 17) to comment on the Local Plan, which sets out the sites where in the district developments will go over the next 20 years. Visit wyreforestdc.gov.uk/localplanreview.