WYCHAVON district councillors have granted planning permission for the construction of 37 polytunnels on land in Offenham despite residents' fears over increased traffic.

The tunnels will allow V & S Pilade Growers, a major supplier of Kane Foods, to extend their growing season by 16 weeks.

They claim the increased amount of produce will help reduce the number of HGVs in the area by decreasing the need for foreign imports, brought in by large vehicles. But residents living on or near Gibbs Lane believe the development will have the opposite effect in the area.

At a Wychavon District Council development and control committee meeting last Thursday, resident Clare Cole said: "I feel this is the thin end of the wedge. When the lorries do come down the lane they often get completely stuck and it takes a long time to clear them.

"They regularly drive along at inappropriate speeds and we have requested, on a number of occasions, that the drivers respect the need of pedestrians."

Coun George Bourne said: "I am very, very concerned for the residents of this little village street. I do feel that something has to be done to try and control the traffic. An alternative access is the one thing I would really like to see."

Coun Judy Pearce said: "I think we must support the growers in the area but we must sort the traffic problem out too."

Coun Jean Dowty said: "It must be bourne in mind that the horticultural concerns must have been there long before the houses."