PLANS to allow quad-biking on land in the open countryside in Worcestershire could be given the go-ahead despite a wave of protest from residents.

An application has been registered with Malvern Hills District Council to request land at Peachley Court Farm and Ashfields Farm in Lower Broadheath be used for quad-biking.

The site is to the north of Peachley Lane, to the south of Laugherne Brook and to the north-east of the B4204 Worcester to Martley Road.

The application is for the extension of the approved quad-biking route granted in September 2000 to include a further perimeter loop extending towards the Martley Road.

But various complaints have been made to the district council over alleged breaches of conditions attached to the use of the site.

And several Lower Broadheath residents and villagers from nearby Hallow have contacted the council raising concerns over dust levels generated.

They also fear if the application were approved it would cause damage to plants and animals in the area, affect property values and noise levels would increase.

Broadheath Parish Council said they felt it appeared quad-bikes already deviated from the approved route and would therefore make no further comment.

Hallow Parish Council contacted the council saying a survey should be carried out to see how the existing use affects residents.

The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust raised no objections but felt the route should not come within 100m of Laugherne Brook or within 30m of the woodland.

And the Council for the Protection of Rural England said it was not concerned with the noise levels as they were regarded as tedious rather than intrusive.

However it did object to random biking due to the damage caused to wildlife and to those wishing to use the rights of way.

But planning officers feel the proposed extension would not cause significant harm to the landscape or give rise to significant noise or disturbance.

They are recommending the application be approved for a trial period of one year, with several conditions attached.

The matter is due to be discussed at a meeting of the council's northern area planning committee tomorrow.