A PLANNING application has been submitted for 124 new homes on a field in Kidderminster.

Richborough Estates has this week lodged plans to Wyre Forest District Council for a new housing development on land off Habberley Road, which it says will bring much-needed new and affordable homes to the area.

The developer says the plans represent a "significant investment in Kidderminster at a time of economic uncertainty", however residents in neighbouring streets fear the scheme will have a damaging impact on the nearby Habberley Valley Nature Reserve and the wildlife that resides in the hedgerows around the field.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Richborough Estates wants to build 124 homes on a field off Habberley Road in KidderminsterRichborough Estates wants to build 124 homes on a field off Habberley Road in Kidderminster

An action group has been set up with the aim of protecting the proposed development site, which is set to be removed from the green belt under Wyre Forest District Council’s emerging Local Plan, and more than 800 residents have already signed a petition opposing the plans after leaflets were delivered to nearby properties in February.

Sara Macdiarmid, who founded the Stop the Habberley Road Development group on Facebook, said: "This and surrounding areas of green belt land are not only an important and valuable habitat, they also provide a vital shield between the town and our local Habberley Valley Nature Reserve.

"The valley is also made up of a wooded area, and in particular Bilberry woodland which provides a habitat ideal for some of the county’s rarest moth species. Within the nature reserve you will also find all three of our species of woodpecker, tawny owls, buzzard, sparrowhawk and reptiles such as the slow worm and adder.

"As you can well understand, the local community is extremely concerned about the wellbeing of the nature reserve and do not want this delicate habitat threatened."

Action group members say the field in question is a vital buffer, safeguarding the local countryside from encroachment and preventing Low Habberley from merging into Kidderminster.

Kidderminster Shuttle: A petition against the homes plan has been signed by over 800 peopleA petition against the homes plan has been signed by over 800 people

They fear the development will drive away birds such as sky larks which are often sighted over the field, as well as bats which use the site as a feeding ground.

Habberley resident Sherry Stephens said: "This is a beautiful field with outstanding wildlife and has been a sanctuary for so many people over the years, and especially during the lockdowns that we have had.

"It is beautiful to look at and walk around and is a wildlife paradise. It has always been protected as green belt and it should not be removed now for building purposes."

Fellow resident Merlyn Wilcox said: "Local People have for many years and with the implicit consent of the landowner and tenant farmer used paths around the edge of this and other local fields for walking and dog walking.

"This field looks small and of little consequence but on deeper examination is part of a bigger picture, being right up against the edge of Habberley Valley Nature Reserve."

Kidderminster Shuttle: Members of the Stop the Habberley Road Development action groupMembers of the Stop the Habberley Road Development action group

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "I am totally against this proposed development. Greenbelt is precious and is protected for good reason. There are plenty of brownfield sites available in Kidderminster that should be developed first."

Concerns have also been raised about the pressure such a development could have on local roads, schools and GP surgeries.

A spokesman for Richborough Estates said: "Richborough Estates has submitted an outline planning application, which aligns with Wyre Forest District Council’s emerging Local Plan.

"The proposals include 25 per cent affordable homes, which will help meet local housing needs. We believe the application represents a significant investment in Kidderminster at a time of economic uncertainty.

“Even at this early outline application stage, we have worked with the council and listened to the local community to ensure the proposed development is sensitively designed to complement, and sit well between, the green belt on one side and the western edges of Kidderminster and the Hollyfields care home on its other three sides.

“The proposed green infrastructure will provide open space and ecology enhancements on all boundaries of the site to maintain views across to the open countryside from Habberley Road, boost biodiversity, and preserve separation between the new homes and the care home.

Kidderminster Shuttle: An aerial view of the proposed development site in KidderminsterAn aerial view of the proposed development site in Kidderminster

“The surrounding hedgerows and mature trees are only being disturbed to enable pedestrian and vehicle access to the site, which includes more than 40 per cent publicly accessible green open space as well as new planting to ensure there is a net gain in biodiversity. An ecological assessment has been submitted with the application for both the council and the public to consider.

“Following conversations with Worcestershire County Council, we have submitted a transport assessment, which details measures to make the existing roundabout and other nearby crossings safer for pedestrians and cyclists, including reducing the speed limit in front of the development on Habberley Road to 30mph.

"Further financial contributions will also be agreed with the local authority to support local health, education and recreational services.”

Readers can view the petition here.