A PLAN to build 25 homes on a park in St John’s would trap residents in a “glum, soulless housing development” without any green space, a councillor has said.

Fortis Living’s restructured plan to build the homes on part of Sanctuary Park off Hopton Street in St John’s has been heavily criticised by residents who fear the loss of green space would have a hugely negative effect.

Councillor Richard Udall, who represents St John’s and has vowed to fight to protect the green space, derided the plan for not taking any consideration of the effect losing green space would have on residents.

Cllr Udall said local and future residents of St John’s deserve better.

He said: “I am acutely aware of the need for new social housing. However, this development is wrong and needs to be reconsidered.

“It is squeezing flats and houses onto a well-used community park, used by both children and adults.

“No consideration has been given to elevate the problems caused by such a loss.

“St John’s needs new homes but it cannot afford to lose any more park space.

“This application ignores the needs of local people and will trap new residents into a glum, soulless housing development without any recreational space.”

The affordable homes plan has been altered after a 37 homes plan faced significant opposition and objection and a final decision has been delayed for more than six months.

The original application attracted more than 40 online objections from neighbours concerned over a loss of one of St John’s few remaining green spaces, over-development and the detrimental effect building homes would have on wildlife.

The new application received a further 45 online objections.

Cllr Udall said the plan would not even be entertained if it was a private development and the application should not be treated differently because it is for affordable housing.

He added: “Recent evidence has shown how important areas such as Sanctuary Park are for mental health, places with open spaces where nature and wildlife can be enjoyed.

Worcester City Council’s planning committee is expected to make a decision at a meeting on March 21.