MORE than 200 people turned out on a cold morning to protest against a proposed housing estate in Kidderminster.

Richborough Estates previously submitted a controversial application for 124 new homes at a field off Habberley Road, but it was refused by Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee last July.

The housebuilder has since appealed against the decision. Meanwhile, another housing firm, Bovis Homes, delivered leaflets to residents outlining a proposal for 120 homes on the site earlier this year.

There are fears that the highway infrastructure would not support increased traffic levels if plans were to go ahead. There are also concerns over the impact on the nearby nature reserve.

The Stop the Habberley Road Development group decided to once again go out to the field in protest on Saturday, (March 11), following a demonstration last April. The action group was formed after the Richborough Estates plans were first submitted, with more than 500 people objecting.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

The Habberley Road site was released from green belt status following the passing of the 2016-2036 Local Plan last year.

Sara Macdiarmid, from the action group, said: "It should not have been included in the local plan. The main reasons we are concerned are traffic and infrastructure as well as damage to the local nature reserve.

"We think that this is a huge mistake. It's a beautiful field. It's a fantastic vista and it will be lost forever".

Dr Merlyn Wilcox added: "It's very close to a local nature reserve. We should remember that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

"It's just going to be urban sprawl from the West Midlands and so it really shouldn't be done".

Kidderminster Shuttle:

As part of the appeal statement, Richborough Homes highlighted: "The Highway Authority has undertaken a robust assessment of the planning application.

"Based on analysis of the information submitted, the Highway Authority concludes that there are no justifiable grounds on which an objection could be maintained".

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Comments can be sent to the Planning Inspectorate by emailing west2@planninginspectorate.gov.uk, quote Reference 21/0421/OUT, before Friday, March 17.