CAMPAIGNERS against a controversial proposed housing scheme on Stourport farm land are bracing themselves for a fight after a planning application was submitted.

Gladman Developments are seeking outline planning permission to build 125 homes at Areley Common in Astley Cross, which falls in both Stourport and Malvern Hills.

According to the proposal, 40 per cent of the properties will be affordable housing while there will also be provision for care apartments, public open space and a children’s play area.

But Labour councillor Jamie Shaw, who represents the area, said the application will face fierce opposition from residents in the area.

In November last year, the site was subject to an application from Planning Prospects to build stables for three horses, which Councillor Shaw dismissed as a mere tactic to establish a change of use principle for the area. Both Wyre Forest District and Malvern Hills District Councils rejected the proposal.

Councillor Shaw said: “In advance of the planning application, my colleagues and I delivered 800 leaflets to the houses nearest the proposed site.

“Their content was a series of substantive planning arguments against the development. We expect responses from the public to exceed the 114 for the previous “stables” application.

“The Labour Party considers this planning application to be of national significance.

“There have been, and continue to be, planning applications lodged across the country - the nearest in Bewdley - which are wholly contrary to planning policy.

“Gladman does not expect permission to be granted by councils. However, with the power granted to developers by David Cameron by the National Planning Policy Framework, it hopes to win at appeal.

“What makes this application different is the precedent set if 125 houses are constructed, because the wider extent of this location could accommodate thousands of new homes, creating a new township, nominally in Astley & Dunley Parish, but effectively an extension of Stourport.”

In their plans, Gladman said the need for more housing in both Wyre Forest and Malvern Hills is the driving factor for the scheme.

They say the development would also bring benefits to the area including creating jobs, boosting the local economy in addition to providing affordable housing.

The consultation period for the application is open and will last until March 31. People can comment online by visiting www.wyreforest.gov.uk/fastweb/ and searching for planning number 17/0045/OUTL.