MORE than 200 Badsey residents have called on Wychavon planners to refuse a scheme to build a new six-acre glasshouse in the village.

The applicants, Richard and Laura Holt, say the proposed development on Willersey Road is necessary for their business and the village, and will also create eight new jobs.

Among the objectors was Mike Biltcliffe, of Mill Lane, who said his main concern was road safety. "I am the very concerned parent of a five-year-old attending Badsey First School and wish to object vehemently to the proposal of a monstrous glass house, which apart from blighting the unspoiled countryside will inevitably increase the volume of traffic creating an even more dangerous environment for our village school. That brings me to my second objection, the resulting industry will seriously detract from the village nature, feel and natural beauty of Badsey."

Business owner Richard Holt said concerns over traffic volume had no basis in fact. "People seem to be using their imagination rather than looking at what we intend to do here. We will only be using two seven-and-a-half tonne lorries per day, which will make no difference to the appalling traffic situation in the village, which is mainly caused by cars parked along both sides of the road.

"Badsey as a village was built on market gardening and businesses like ours need to modernise in order to keep the Vale competitive in the modern market. Otherwise there is a danger the village could turn into a retirement community with no work for younger people and no vibrancy."

Wychavon planning officer Peter Bateman said most objectors expressed worries about traffic. "Transport is the main concern and people are worried about the impact it will have on the village school nearby. The visual impact also concerns many people."

He added that he still needed more information from the applicants and that negotiations were continuing. "The application could still be subject to change before it gets to committee. We have already had to make them amend the plans quite significantly to include landscaping, a glasshouse of that size is going to need a lot of screening."

The plans are due to be discussed by Wychavon's planning committee when it next meets on Thursday, June 22.