RESIDENTS are up in arms over plans to build a new house and garage in the historic heart of Alcester.

About a dozen residents from Church Street packed an Alcester Town Council meeting to show their opposition to the plans to develop the garden of Dorset House.

They believe it would not be in keeping with the surroundings of the area.

Caroline Newey, a resident for more than 30 years, said they felt the Georgian terraced houses and walled gardens should be an area of special conservation interest.

She said planning applicants Alan and Gillian Plummer had approached them with their plans and residents had expressed their thoughts on why they should be rejected. Points raised at last Monday's meeting included worries that building in the unique walled garden would alter the character of the area.

Concerns were also raised about the gardens, which are part of an ancient monument with a Roman garrison underneath, and believe development could exacerbate flooding in its lower levels.

And townspeople were also concerned this application would open the floodgates for similar proposals which they felt would be a detriment to the area both visually and environmentally.

Mayor Jim Kenyon said the council had carried out a site visit and were aware of the situation. He added they had looked at the plans and were not very happy with them.

The town council will reject the plans but it will be up to Stratford Council to make the final decision.

Mr Plummer, who was not at the meeting, told the Chronicle they were sorry the plans had caused such controversy.

"As far as we are concerned it is a valid application and we must wait for the planners to make their decision," he said.

Stratford Council planning case officer Neil Hempstead said the decision could be made in about two weeks' time

He added: "We have received an objection from both Alcester Town Council and English Heritage but the Environment Agency has not objected to it. The outcome will be determined by tomorrow."