Controversial Kidderminster housing plan to be decided

Fields in Low Habberley have been earmarked for the new houses by Richborough Estates, land which has been released from the greenbelt for residential development after the local plan was passed. 

However, more than 500 people have objected to the proposals, lamenting the loss of green space and raising concerns about the development's impact on wildlife and the environment.

Back in April, hundreds formed a human chain in protest along Habberley Road.

Human chain formed on Habberley Road

The planning statement highlights that "any harm associated with the development is clearly and demonstrably outweighed by the benefits".

According to the planning statement, the benefits of the new development include "new defensible Green Belt boundary and substantial Green Infrastructure provision," and a boost to the supply of housing to meet the council's need. Other benefits include new public open space, "affordable housing," and new jobs in construction.

Merlyn Wilcox, a member of the Stop The Habberley Road Development Group, said the development would be a "disaster," and has urged councillors to take the time to read objections from members of the public.

Residents have given the plans the thumbs down

On the council's planning website, one objector said: "Why on earth would we build on green belt land in one of the beauty spots of the district, adjacent to a nature reserve when there are numerous brownfield alternatives".

Another said: "Wildlife and space to enjoy nature close to Habberley Valley is far more important to people than additional houses built in the wrong place."

Another objector said: "Building on this site will cause a lot of extra congestion to an already busy road which is already quite dangerous".

Another said: This piece of land has been extremely important to many local people, myself and my family especially. The calming influence of its footpath has helped people suffering, anxiety and stress".

The proposal will go before Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee on Tuesday, July 19.