BARNARDS Green residents are preparing to fight plans to build 10 houses on a site in Bellars Lane.

Three letters have already been sent to Malvern Hills District Council by neighbours objecting to the scheme.

The application is for outline planning permission to knock down a bungalow at 44 Bellars Lane and build housing there.

Outline planning permission establishes the principle of development with precise details following in a separate application.

The proposed layout for the 0.23 hectare site shows a variety of housing, including a one-bedroom apartment, two and three-bedroom terraces and detached three-bedroom houses.

Number 44 is the childhood home of Alex Scott who, with her husband, is applying for the outline permission.

She said that they had been told the house would be worth more if it was flattened and built on and decided to investigate.

She said: "My husband is into design, so he drew up the plans and did the research.

"We just wanted to see if the council would let us build there but it's certainly not definite that we will go ahead with it even if they do."

She added: "We just didn't see the point of selling the house as it is just for someone else to knock it down and develop it themselves."

Residents received notice about plans on July 29 and have three weeks to submit their objections to the council before the area planning meeting.

The main worry for neighbour Gwen Bridgen is the loss of peace and tranquillity that she has always enjoyed. She says if the development went ahead, her bungalow and garden would be overshadowed by the houses.

She said: "My garden is my paradise. I spend nearly all day out here but all that will be ruined if these houses are built."

"We are all up in arms about the plan. I've lived here for most of my life and I've never once complained to the council, but this is atrocious."

Fellow neighbour Christina Brearley does not believe there is adequate space for the houses and is concerned the area will be over-developed.

She said: "We just feel they're cramming as many things as they can into a very small space."

Objectors do not think the plan is sympathetic to the surrounding area and believe it will lead to a loss of trees and wildlife.

Resident Keith Holden said: "There is great resentment about the plan among neighbours and we are determined to do all we can to stop it."