A plan to build ‘affordable’ housing in Evesham has been met with more than 180 objections from residents.

Rooftop Housing has proposed building 32 new ‘affordable’ homes off School Road and Red Lane in Evesham but the plan has been met with dismay with a wave of people complaining to Wychavon District Council that it should not go ahead.

The mountain of objections criticised the plan saying the town’s Highfield Road was not wide enough, too steep and was already suffering from parking problems.

One objector, Alison Brain, said she “vehemently objected” to the plan because it would ‘destroy’ a tranquil part of the town.

“School Road is a narrow road,” she said. “Already far too many vehicles speed up and down ridiculously fast with no thought for existing residents and their pets.

“The refuse collection is already struggling with the appalling road surface and narrowness of the road leading to Red Lane.

“Why should such a tranquil spot be desecrated by such an upheaval with lorries coming and going up and down?”

Alex Breach of Highfield Road said: “The road is not suitable for any additional traffic. The proposed land is a wild area with an array of wildlife and will be destroyed.

“If permission is granted for this development, where will it stop?”

Another objector, Richard Hobbs of Highfield Road said the “huge” increase in traffic would “change the whole character of the area.”

“The proposed development sits in an area which has multiple uses,” he said.

“Clarke's Hill is a beautiful area that contains a designated wildlife area and woodland, Eoves Wood, biodiverse landscapes due to the old orchards, grassland, hedgerows and wooded areas; and is used extensively for recreational use by walkers, runners, cyclists and nature enthusiasts.

“The recreational opportunities are enjoyed by those from the wider area and not just local residents.”

Elaine Allchurch, of School Road, said: “The planning application describes the plot as grazing land, it was an orchard before developers ripped it up prior to submitting any application.

“This destroyed the natural habitat and wildlife. Nature has started to claim this back and it would be detrimental if this was ripped up again, being built on destroying this natural habitat for good.”