TWO hundred new homes could be built on an old mediaeval fishpond complex in Worcester – sparking anger that the land “is the wrong place” for such development.

Miller Homes wants to build the properties at Middle Battenhall Farm, off Redhill Lane, on acres of green fields.

But the move has caused an angry reaction, with Worcester City Council insisting the land, near London Road, has not been earmarked for development in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP).

The SWDP, an ailing housing blueprint, has yet to be rubber-stamped and there is concern the developer will attempt to get the properties built before more progress can be made on it.

Community leaders say the area surrounding Middle Battenhall Farm is already too congested – and that they’ve got concerns over flood risks.

There are fears Miller Homes is attempting to get the plans approved before the SWDP is finalised – if necessary by appealing to the national planning inspectorate, which looks at refusals from councils.

Councillor John Cairns, who represents the area for the county council, said: “This could be one of the ramifications of the SWDP not being agreed – it’s an example where we are vulnerable to unwanted developers.

“This would take away green land and is clearly not the right place for housing.”

Coun Roger Knight, who also represents the area, said: “I am aware of the proposal and although I will have no opinion until I see a planning application, I would have serious concerns because this is a sensitive site.

“It is by Duck Brook, which raises concerns of flooding – if they try to tarmac over some of the land then there could be consequences.”

The city council has also revealed it would not welcome a planning application, saying there are better alternative sites for development.

A spokesman for the authority said: “This is contrary to the provisions of both existing and emerging Local Plans.”

The SWDP is being drawn up in conjunction with councils in Worcester, Malvern and Wychavon.

The document is on the verge of collapse because Malvern Hills’ politicians are in dispute over housing allocations in Newland, Malvern and south Worcester.

Councils in Malvern and Worcester are taking votes on the SWDP tonight, before Wychavon does the same next Monday.

No one at Miller Homes was available to comment, but it has published details of a website, middlebattenhallfarm.co.uk

  • The developer is holding two consultations, the first at St Peter’s Baptist Church in Eden Close, off St Peter’s Drive, from 4pm to 8pm on Friday. The second will be on Saturday at Nunnery Wood Sports Complex in Spetchley Road, from 10am to 2pm.