OBJECTIONS by more than 170 villagers over plans to build three houses in the grounds of their local pub has led to planners organising a trip to the site.

Members of Malvern Hills northern area development control committee requested the site visit to the Dewdrop Inn, Bell Lane, Lower Broadheath, after discussing the application at a meeting on Wednesday.

They heard concerns by resident Nick Dunaway, who lives opposite the pub and was one of 179 people to sign a petition against the development.

He said the area of land earmarked in the outline planning application was a vital community amenity and play equipment, including a slide and swings was used regularly by village children.

"The play area is used by families here all year round and is the only play area in the village. To build on it would be a tragedy for villagers who think of the pub and its facilities as a big part of village life," he said.

The father-of-two said: "There is a big worry at the loss of trees in the area and that, without the garden, the pubs' future viability as a business would be in question." No one from pub owners Amek Investments (Commercial) Ltd was available to comment when the Worcester News went to press.

Pub landlord Kelvin Haddigan said he had taken on a temporary six-month lease of the pub three weeks ago and had no idea of the scale of the development.

"We feel really let down. The plans show more than half of the beer garden being lost and we think the pub would just not be viable if this goes ahead. We have bought bouncy castles and play equipment and have no intention of taking on a 20-year lease if the houses look as if they will be built," he added.

At the meeting, councillor for Broadheath, Katherine Burgoyne said she felt it important for her colleagues to see the site as many were not familiar with it.

"I have concerns that the loss of the beer garden could be detrimental to the public house, and also about the siting of the houses. I will reserve saying any more until I have been on the site visit," she said.

Members of the committee are to visit the Dewdrop Inn on Tuesday, May 9, before a planning meeting to discuss the outline application for one detached and a pair of semi-detached houses - the following evening.