LAND at the centre of a controversial housing development can be sold off after a council vote.

Plans to build 29 homes and rebuild the existing Emmanuel Church in Blake Avenue, Chawson, Droitwich, have already been shown to several hundred residents during a public exhibition last Friday and Saturday.

Most of the land belongs to Wychavon District Council, which has now given backing to a sale, which could achieve planning permission if the proposals are backed by councillors later this year.

The district council’s executive board agreed to sell the land on Tuesday.

Coun Bob Banks, council finance chief, said: “These plans have been very popular and the consultation has been very busy. The report says it will help address the anti-social behaviour issues currently on the site.”

But coun Wendy Carter, who attended the public exhibitions, said the plans were not as popular with some residents who had taken issue with the area being painted as a hot-bed of anti-social activity.

“Many people were telling me that in the past two years, that has been far less of an issue than previously,” she said.

“Undoubtedly, much of the site needs redevelopment but there’s a feeling residents are being tarnished with that brush.”

She also said locals were concerned about car parking in the area and that the plans were being forced on residents so the district council could make money.

But Vic Allison, the council’s deputy managing director, said: “We’re not expecting to make a whole lot of money out of this scheme. Cost almost equates to sale price.”

Coun Paul Middlebrough, council leader, said he was “disappointed some people feel that way.”

The scheme would see about half of the homes set aside for affordable housing while the community centre would be improved, the new church built above it, and the current shop replaced by a new store and parking.

Council officers also said the adjacent grassy area would “soon have village green status” thanks to the work of local residents’ associations, in answer to a question from Coun Pam Davey.