PLANS to build 11 new houses on part of a former Worcester golf course have been met with opposition from local residents.

The plans have been submitted by Tustin Homes to build four-bedroom homes on the former Tolladine Golf Club, which was Worcester’s oldest golf club.

But people living nearby have expressed concerns about noise, traffic congestion and the buildings being a potential eyesore. Res-idents of The Fairway and nearby streets say roads would not be able to deal with increased traffic generated by the new development.

They are also concerned that the proposed new houses would overlook those in The Fairway, causing an invasion of privacy for people already living there.

One resident also complained that the new development would result in a loss of green land “which is becoming a rarity in Worcester”.

At a meeting of Warndon Parish Council, councillors agreed to ask for an overall plan of the development before a meeting of Worces-ter City Council’s planning committee, when the plans will be decided.

Councillor Ted Holloway said: “The golf course is a ‘natural sponge’. Any development in the area would make matters worse.

“I have spoken to the planning officer and we are of one mind.

“Flooding is a serious problem on the site.

“There have also been regular contractors on the golf course carrying out wildlife surveys, so there must be more than one developer interested in the course. We need to see an overall plan before we decide anything.”

City councillor Lucy Hodgson also expressed concerns over the development.

She said: “I have asked officers if the plans can be called into the planning committee.

“I have concerns I have raised with officers about the visual aspect of it.”

In 2005, a planning application by mobile phone company Vodafone to build a permanent mobile phone mast on the golf course was met with staunch opposition from residents.

Since its closure, the course has fallen victim to vandalism and suspected arson attacks.

In June 2005, a fire which ravaged a storeroom at the club took fire crews an hour to control, causing £6,500 of damage.