Residents fear 'iconic view' ruined by new homes plan

Plans for 180 homes in part of Worcester would ruin a view of the Malvern Hills, residents have said.

The proposed site at Battenhall Farm is part of a green corridor connecting Battenhall Park and St Peters to London Road.

Worcester City Council has determined an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required, saying the project was unlikely to have a significant environmental effect.

However residents are unimpressed. Fionna Caddick said the scheme would mean an "iconic view of the Malverns from the A4440 is gone".

Plans being brought forward by Boningale Developments Ltd for the site, off Whittington Road and the A4440, are at an early stage.

The next step is likely to be submitting outline plans.

Locals are unhappy about the potential impact on the area.

Rob Spratley said: "Gutted. That's a beautiful, relatively unspoiled view there. Some things are priceless, I would find somewhere else."

Andrew Napier added: "We should be protecting our countryside for future generations, not seeing it as just a potential development site."

The proposed development could include open space, landscaping and access routes.

Residents have also raised concerns about increased pressure on roads and services.

Dave Harford said: "Once again, what's going to happen to the hospitals and roads, it can't cope now. Gridlocked most rush hours."

Others underlined the importance of long-term planning.

Shahrukh Shaik stated: "Everyone agrees Worcester needs more housing.

"The question isn't whether to build, but whether we're building in the right places and providing the services needed for the extra residents."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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