Disappointed at houses plan

Applicants, Chase Homes, and Steelcase Strafor - the company which took over Gordon Russell - also want to demolish part of 20 High Street and the former drawing office as part of the redevelopment. In May this year managing director of Steelcase Strafor, Tim Somerley, said he would be selling the prime multi-million site to the developer whose plans most closely matched Broadway villagers' wishes.

However the draft development guide, published last year by Wychavon District Council, called for a mixed development of 60 houses and workshops.

A wishlist also included a tourist information centre, heritage museum, parish council offices and a doctor's surgery. Only the information centre and heritage museum has been featured in the detailed plans.

Chairman of the parish council, Peter Riley said: "We will be meeting to discuss the detailed plans next Monday.

"My first impression is of disappointment that the plans do not specify any industrial use.

"I am concerned about the lack of work for people who come to live in Broadway."

Parish councillor, and owner of Treasure Trove in the High Street, David Robinson, said: "I am not surprised the company wants to make as much money as it can - it's a prime site.

"I won't be opposing the plans because the view from the back of my shop will be an improvement to what it there is now."

Ken Jackson, for Chase Homes, said: "The proposal complies wholeheartedly with the requirements of the development guide for the site, approved by Wychavon District Council in November, 2000.

"In addition,it allows for a combination of retail, restaurants and offices, a tourist information centre and a heritage museum - all of which will create new jobs."

He added that Chase Homes and its advisors believed the removal of non-listed buildings throughout the site and their replacement with "a scheme that had environmental sensitivity at its heart" would not only preserve but also enhance the site.