PLANS for more than 300 homes off Pearl Lane, Stourport have been deferred by Wyre Forest District Council.

The application submitted by Barratt Homes seeks permission for 329 homes including 82 affordable dwellings and public open space.  

Proposals were set to be approved by the planning committee, but members decided to defer the application, wanting more information on the off-site highway improvements works.

Members also wanted to see that the internal roads would meet adoptable highway standards and the reasons for exceeding the indicative capacity of 250 homes as set out in the Wyre Forest Local Plan.

A petition, which has gained hundreds of signatures, was previously launched by residents to halt development on the site.

A 200-member strong group, the Areley Kings Save Pearl Lane and Dunley Road from Development, was set up in an attempt to remove the Pearl Lane site from the local plan. 

Resident Derek Duggan, who started the petition, said: "I can't understand how a field like the one at Pearl Lane can be shortlisted for development because of all the flooding.

"I'm afraid that houses would get flooded out."

He says that the plans "contravene the buffer zone which is there to protect Areley Wood” and the development will cause further congestion.

Resident Hayden Wootton, who used to take his dog for walks on the fields, said: "It's a crazy scheme to try and build houses on there.

"The land is on a slope and the water is going to flow from the top and take everything with it.

"This problem is going to happen all the time. "

Barratt Homes said the plans would bring much-needed homes to the area and all necessary flood risk assessments have been undertaken.