BATTLING Bewdley residents packed a public meeting to launch a fight against a developer’s plans to build almost 200 houses on a patch of countryside.

More than 300 concerned Bewdley folk attended the meeting at St George’s Hall on Tuesday night to set out their unanimous opposition to the proposal for the farm land off Lakes Road in Bark Hill, which is being put forward by Gladman Developments.

They fear the 195-property scheme will destroy the character of Bewdley, ruin the landscape value of the area, cause further traffic problems and increase the pressure on already stretched services such as schools and the medical centre.

Some people also expressed their fears that a public footpath, which goes through the land and that is popular amongst ramblers and tourists, could be lost if the plan comes to fruition.

Residents have set up a fighting fund to cover campaign costs while people also volunteered their services to help. A Facebook group has already attracted more than 400 members in a week.

Gladman operate as land promoters, who work with owners to secure planning permission for residential developments and managing sales to homebuilders.

A planning application has yet to be submitted for this scheme and Gladman declined to comment on the public meeting when contacted by the Shuttle.

But, in a consultation document sent to residents, they said there was a need for more housing in Bewdley with the development consisting of a mix of high quality housing and up to 59 affordable homes.

Resident Rod Stanczyszyn, who chaired the meeting, said: “This public meeting shows that there are a lot of people who view this as a mistake for the area for a number of reasons.

“The damage to the landscape value is huge. People enjoy that beautiful area and often use the footpath so we don’t want to lose that.

“We are not just talking about 195 people moving into the town. We are looking at families moving in which will only add to the traffic problem down there and increase pollution.

“There will also be enormous pressure put on facilities such as the schools and health services once people move in.

“It is totally inappropriate for this area and we believe we have strong planning reasons to oppose this.”

Councillor Phillip Edmundson, Deputy Mayor, said the results of a public consultation to shape the Bewdley Neighbourhood Plan were at odds with Gladman’s plans - with 65 per cent of more than 500 respondents saying Bewdley did not need “lots more housing”.

Councillor Edmundson added the community would prefer to see small housing schemes, with Bark Hill amongst the least favoured areas for development in the town.

He said: “It is clear in my mind that Gladman's are attempting to push this through before the Neighbourhood Plan becomes a reality. The attendance at the public meeting was overwhelming and a real testament to how strongly the people of Bewdley feel about the proposals.”

Another resident Jordan White, said: “I’m 20 years old and have lived here all my life. I’d rather pay premium for a better house currently in Bewdley than a cheaper one on that land. I don’t want to see Bewdley turn into a new Kidderminster.”

Bewdley residents are invited to submit their views on the scheme by visiting http://www.your-views.co.uk/bewdley/