VILLAGERS in Blackwell have joined forces to protect land near their homes.

Developers want to build 14 houses and a play area on a small woodland behind Tanglewood Close.

The scheme includes the demolition of a house to create an access road to the proposed development, which will include properties for first time buyers.

Neighbours have formed the Tanglewood Close Residents' Association and hope to block the scheme by lobbying Bromsgrove District Council with letters of objection and a petition boasting more than 140 signatures.

Campaigner Chris Watkins believes residents from the Glen Mobile Home Park, Badgers Way, and Linthurst Newtown would also be affected if the bulldozers move in.

"The proposed housing site is at the most elevated part of the village and forms a pivotal part of the landscape."

"The woodland boasts a number of protected trees and is used by walkers and provides an important resource for schoolchildren," he added.

Worried villagers also harbour concerns about extra traffic and wildlife which includes badgers woodpeckers, bats and rare crested newts.

The new estate could generate more than 100 extra car journeys each day.

Campaigner Peter Ryles, of Tanglewood Close, launched the petition and is currently visiting homes in the parish collecting signatures.

Ward representative and Bromsgrove District Council's planning portfolio holder, Councillor Margaret Taylor (Con), supports the campaigners.

She says this is the second application lodged for the plot, the first, also for housing, was turned down on appeal.

Architects at David Edwards Partnership are handling the controversial blueprints.

Partner David Edwards said the protected trees are incorporated into the plans and only one small Sallow tree faces the chop.

"This is a mixed development and hopes to redress some of the problems experienced by young villagers forced to move out of Blackwell because they cannot afford property," he said.