BROADWAY residents are opposing a planning application which could see 12 flats with 13 car parking spaces being built next to the youth club gates.

The application, submitted to Wychavon District Council by Chase Homes, is to redevelop an area at Sheldon Avenue. Opponents feel there has already been plenty of development in Broadway.

Andrew Doyle, of Sheldon Avenue, said he was shocked when he found out about the plan.

He said: "This application comes as a complete surprise, as the first indication we received of the redevelopment proposal was the delivery of secure lock-ups to contain windows for the new houses.

"It's been suggested because the garages are not currently used, the volume of traffic is low. This is not due to lack of initiative on the part of local residents, applications for rental have been refused to myself and the youth club."

Mr Doyle added if the application was approved it would jeopardise safety for youngsters attending the youth club near Sheldon Avenue.

In a letter to Broadway Parish Council, Dr Thomas Bloch, of Springfield House, also stated his opposition to the proposal, saying development in the village has been stretched to the limit.

"The proposed housing is unacceptable and creates pressure to develop the currently tree-lined verge between Sheldon Avenue and the Leamington Road. I urge the planning department to reject this proposal," he said.

Chase is working with Pershore and Evesham Rooftop Housing, whose spokesman Toby Whiting said: "If the application is approved the site, owned by Rooftop, will be developed to provide flats for private sale and social housing.

"Details of the development are under discussion but the aim is to make several flats available on a 'shared ownership' basis making it easier to get on to the housing ladder in Broadway."

Worcestershire county councillor Liz Eyre has called a meeting to discuss the application at Broadway Youth Club, at 10am on Saturday, July 29.