A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 33 new homes which would “ruin” the area according to villagers has been given the go-ahead.

A 300-name petition as well as several objections were raised by locals to a plan to build 33 homes on land off Main Road, in Hallow, near Worcester earlier this year.

Neighbours had said there was no need for more new homes in Hallow and building a new entrance off a main road would be dangerous for drivers.

Planners at Malvern Hills District Council approved the plan despite strong concerns from villagers.

READ MORE: Plan to knock down pub in Upton Snodsbury near Worcester for new homes

READ MORE: £1 million refurbishment of King George V Playing Fields in Droitwich could be hit by fresh delay

Objector John Whitaker, of Heath Close, said: “I strongly object to the proposal by Hayfield to build a further 33 unnecessary and unwanted houses in Hallow.

“The infrastructure is not there. The school is oversubscribed, the sewerage system is almost at breaking point. The location will, in my opinion, lead to more traffic congestion with the subsequent increase in the potential for accidents.”

Peggy Gregg, of Main Road, said she had moved to Hallow to enjoy the village life and it was now being “eroded” by more planning applications for housing estates getting approved.

Robert Edwards of Main Road said: “I have lived in the village for 20 years moving here to enjoy village life and its ambience which has already been eroded by these sites. Enough is enough.”

The land on which the homes will be built was earmarked for housing in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP).

Rupert Parkin, land director at Piper Homes, said: “This is set to be a beautiful development, situated just 500 metres from Hallow Conservation Area.

“Our designs for the new homes reflect our desire to be sympathetic to the history of the area, complementing rather than detracting from the neighbouring buildings and overall characteristic of Hallow.

“We are thrilled to have been given the go-ahead to build these new homes, helping to meet the demand for high quality new homes in the local area. We hope to start on site early next year.”