VILLAGERS are hoping a new sewage treatment plant will not encourage major housing developments.

Severn Trent Water is to improve the facilities in Sale Green, near Crowle.

At present, private treatment plants and septic tanks are used but they leave effluent running through Bow Brook and the main road through the village.

The chairman of Saleway Parish Council, Charles Etty-Leal, said he was pleased the health hazard would be removed but that there were fears over possible new housing.

"It is a difficult situation. We are relieved it is going to take the problem away, but the concern is that it may open the floodgates for planning applications," said Mr Etty-Leal.

"But we have been told that because there is mains drainage, planning will follow - there is a possibility a few more houses might be built, but not a mini village."

He said he expected work on the new plant to be completed in the spring after Worcestershire County Council approved the scheme on Tuesday.