CAMPAIGNERS are continuing the fight to prevent 33 news homes being built on a field in Wychbold.

The application, submitted by Wychbold Developments LLP and Fortis Living, was met with strong opposition in 2018 from residents and parish councillors, but went on to receive full planning permission from Wychavon planners in 2019.

However the homes earmarked for a greenfield site behind Sunnyhill House, off Chequers Lane, between Bromsgrove and Droitwich have never been built.

With planning permission set to end next June now it has now emerged the 3.3 acres site has been put for auction as a freehold by owners Summix, at a guide price of £675,000.

The advert says the auction will take place on October 19, and stresses to a potential buyer: "Full planning permission previously granted by Wychbold District council for 33 dwellings comprising 100 per cent affordable housing, including public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage and associated infrastructure."

With the potential for homes still to arrive on the site, Lisa Cox, one of the campaigners, said they were continuing to fight by raising issues they say should have prevented the site being given planning permission in the first place.

One of the issues being raised by the campaigners is the presence of Brine in the land and its stability as campaigners say: “the specific ground hazards affecting this site have not only the potential to impact not only on the proposed buildings, but also to our neighbouring properties”.

"Land stability was never made a material planning consideration as I believe it should have been by Wychavon planning," Lisa said.

"Which leaves us in the mess and on going saga we find ourselves in, with Summix now trying to sell on this field.

"They (Wychavon) surely had a duty of care to us to mention, at the time of the planning application, the presence of brine and yet failed to do so.

"Because of the presence of brine it would appear that many developers have tried to develop this field and have come unstuck."

Carry Smart, a campaigner, added: "We have commissioned a report detailing all the land instability and they (Wychavon planners) still refuse to take any responsibility.

"We have collated all the information and still have not had a reason why they agreed (planning permission)".

Carry added that matter was now being taken to an Ombudsmen.

A spokesman for Wychavon District Council said: “The presence of brine runs is not a material consideration so it’s not something we can take into account when considering planning applications.

“The National Planning Policy Framework makes it clear that planning decisions and policies should be focused on deciding if the proposed development is an acceptable use of land and not the control of processes or emissions.

"Where a site is affected by contamination or land stability issues, responsibility for securing a safe development lies with the developer and/or landowner.

“The issues raised are covered by alternative legislation and not the planning system.

"We’re confident we have decided this planning application in the proper way, taking into account all the material considerations.”