VILLAGERS in Broadway want the owners of the former Gordon Russell site to take their development plans back to the drawing board.

Parish councillors said if they allowed a housing estate to replace the former 100 year old prestigious furniture firm without a fight they would be holding their heads in shame in future years.

Broadway Parish Council and the Broadway Trust are recommending that all three planning applications should be refused, including an application for demolition.

The Parish Council's planning committee feel that the proposed development is inappropriate in the sensitive conservation area at the back of the High Street.

The main objections include the lack of employment opportunities and the inclusion of sheltered housing in an area which has twice the population of 65-year-olds than the rest of the country.

The councillors are also against inclusion of a mini-market - they said it would attract an unacceptable level of traffic.

Chairman of the parish council's planning group, councillor John Marchent said:"It should be mixed development but is far short of what is required for employment." He said the Gordon Russell factory left a big gap in the life of the village and contributed immeasurably to its character and prosperity. Demolition of the factory building he said, ought only to take place when plans are passed for the whole project.

Chairman of the Broadway Trust, Ian Thomas said: "A whole new approach is wanted. The Gordon Russell firm meant a great deal to the community in employment terms. The village needs a balance to fill the great gap created when Gordon Russell left."

There was no-one available for comment at Steelcase Strafor Ltd before the Journal went to press.

The plans are expected to go before Wychavon District Council within the next six weeks.