ANGRY neighbours of fee-paying Bromsgrove School, already upset at having to look out on new classrooms they say resemble 'bike sheds' - claim plans for a new, palatial headmaster's house to be built near their homes is the final straw.

Residents in the Ragley Crescent, Hanbury Close and Old Station Road area were shocked to discover the school has applied for planning permission to build a luxury six-bedroomed house just yards from their homes.

They say plans already deposited at Bromsgrove Council House show it will have a double garage, a large terrace and a parking forecourt for about 27 vehicles.

The land is zoned for residential development, but they claim, the building and large car park point to the house being used for entertainment purposes.

Dr Alan Richards, the well-known author of books on Bromsgrove's history and a past chairman of the Bromsgrove Society - who lives in Ragley Close, is critical of the plan. He also accuses the school of already spoiling the area by erecting unsightly buildings and constructing a new road across its playing field from Old Station Road.

"This road with its new parking leads to a new row of lean-to classrooms next door to one of the biggest sheds in Bromsgrove, namely the lower school gym," he said.

"And the lean-to roofs of the classrooms give the impression of a very long row of bike sheds."

There are also fears more of the field may be swallowed up to widen the narrow track leading to the site of the proposed new house.

Dr Richards added: "It will be very regrettable if planners allow the new development which will carve up yet another large slice of green fields and open outlook many residents have come to enjoy since Broom Park estate was built in 1974.

A school spokesman said the planning application was with the council and it was inappropriate to comment until a decision was made.

Protest letters from at least 18 residents have been sent to council planning chiefs.

In July 2002 the school scooped an unprecedented two Bromsgrove Society architecture awards for new buildings.