HEREFORDSHIRE Council is examining the case for building around 95 houses in fields close to Oddfellows pub in Colwall.

Two sites have been suggested as part of a review of the county's housing needs in the years to 2011 and Colwall Parish Council has until later this month to put forward an official response.

The sites are the field behind Oddfellows and another field behind the recent Brook Mill Close development opposite.

The Brook Mill site is 1.8 hectares and would accommodate an average of 55 houses, while the Oddfellows site is 1.3 hectares and would accommodate 40.

Herefordshire Council is examining the case for expanding "larger villages" to meet the need for increased housing.

In line with Government policy, new developments would include an element of social housing.

The council's Unitary Development Plan, which lays the groundwork for the county's development to 2011, is in its early stages and a public draft could be published early next year.

At Wednesday's parish council meeting, fears were expressed that the village would be turned into a market town.

The meeting heard that Colwall Primary School was only two pupils short of capacity. Ideas for the future include ceasing to take pupils from Worcestershire, sending pupils to other schools, expanding the current school or even building a new one.

Concern was also expressed that the sewerage system and Colwall's transport system would not cope with the expansion.

Further concerns were that more affordable housing would lead to a further influx of people from outside the local area.

There were comments that the proposed houses would just be the start of "Colwall New Town" and fears over further development on neighbouring fields.