PLANS to build six new homes behind a social club have been met with over 100 objections with one resident saying the development would 'destroy the heart of the village.'

Ian O'Gorman submitted the application to Wychavon District Council last month asking for permission to build six properties around the back of the Fernhill Heath War Memorial Hall.

The land is currently used as a car park and up until 2016 a grassy area behind the club was used as allotments.

Many residents have said the plans will have a disastrous affects on the village and there is some dispute over who actually owns the land.

Alison Harris, 63, said: "The village owns the land and the club, it was built for the people, by the people, to be used as a hub and it has been since the 1920s.

"Building on the green lung of the village would have major consequences for all of us, namely for the school and pre-school that use the club and the car park.

"Parents of children at Hinlip C.E First School, which is next door to the club, use the car park when they collect and drop their children.

"There is nowhere else for them to go, the school is on a busy main road and if children and parents were expected to cross over there to get to school it is simply not safe.

"This car park is needed for safe operation of the school – for staff to park, for parents to drop off and collect children and for access to the school for the emergency services.

"Furthermore, the upkeep of the car park is paid for by Wychavon District Council on the basis of this continued shared use."

Holly Jones, Director of Planning and Infrastructure at Wychavon District Council, said: “This is currently a live application which remains undetermined.

"Policies within the South Worcestershire Development Plan 2016 and advice contained in the National Planning Policy Framework will be taken into consideration.

"We have consulted with Worcestershire County Council in their role as the Highway authority and will base any recommendation balancing out their views and those people who have made representation.

"The ownership of the land is primarily a matter for the applicant who has to ensure he or she has served notice on those with an interest in the land.

"Those people are listed within the ownership section of the planning application form.”