CAMPAIGNERS fighting to prevent housing on land bordering Tiddesley Wood nature reserve took to the streets outside Wychavon District Council for a silent protest against the plans.
An estimated 120 to 130 protestors including campaigner Trudy Burge and Pershore councillors Val Wood and Dan Boatright showed their opposition as councilllors arrived for Wednesday’s (October 23) meeting.
The area off Defford Road was subject to a war of words over now defunct proposals for a Community Hall for the town and saw plans for 150 homes close by rejected in 2017.
And campaigners now want local residents to make their voices heard over the plans for 450 homes on the site which have been included in the blueprint for future housing needs for the district.
Speaking before the meeting, Mrs Burge said: “Tiddesley Wood has existed since the last Ice Age and is more than 6,000 years old.
“It is therefore 5,000 years older than Pershore Abbey and our town. We have very few buildings in that area and the bungalow built on this land was built with agricultural ties.
“What’s the use of planting a few wildflowers around the Abbey Park when two miles up the road you allow them to bulldoze acres of natural habitat for our wildlife to create yet another concrete jungle,” she added.
Despite their calls, the Preferred Options document, produced as part of the review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan, was approved by Wychavon District Council.
The major blueprint sets out how a Government requirement to build another 14,000 new homes across Malvern Hills District, Worcester City and Wychavon by 2041 will be met.
Planning chiefs across south Worcestershire assessed more than 900 sites for potential development and have put forward proposals which could see a new town close to the Worcestershire Parkway station with 5,000 homes by 2041.
Should the document be approved by members of Malvern Hills District Council on Tuesday (October 29), a six week public consultation will kick off on Monday, November 4.
There will be a formal Wychavon consultation event in the Town Hall on Wednesday, November 13 from 2pm to 8pm where people can view the proposals in full and speak to SWDP staff.
Pershore Town Council will be holding their own public meeting at Pershore Library on November 19 at 6.30 pm allowing residents the opportunity to voice their opinions and concern.
Coun Wood urged local residents to get involved and make their voices heard.
“It is essential residents make comments via the official portals in order that their voices can be counted. This proposed destruction of our green spaces must be stopped before it has a permanent and devastating effect on our ancient Tiddesley Wood which has one of the greatest diversity of species in the UK,” she said.
“These will be at risk from potential noise, light and air pollution not to mention prowling pets which could destroy ground nesting birds and small mammals.
“This blot on our landscape must not be allowed.”
