COUNCILLORS are set to meet to decide whether new homes should be built in a village.

The move by developer Terra would see up to 34 new homes built in Offenham near Evesham.

Planning officers at Wychavon District Council have recommended the application should be given the green light when councillors meet in Pershore next Thursday (October 12).

The homes would be built on land off Three Cocks Lane in Offenham – which sets outside but next to the agreed development boundary for the village.

The land was included in the ongoing review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) which sets out where thousands of homes will be built across the county in the next 20 years, with an indicative figure of 32 new homes.

After several delays, the huge planning blueprint has not been approved by the three south district councils and is now years behind schedule.

A total of 14 objections were made by villagers to Wychavon District Council during consultation.

Objectors said the village would not be able to cope with an extra 60 cars on the road and there was already a lack of infrastructure, including school and GP places, without bringing more people into the area.

Cllr Aaron Powell, who represents Bretforton and Offenham on Wychavon District Council, has requested for the decision to be made by the council’s planning committee over a number of concerns.

Cllr Powell said the land was outside the agreed development boundary for the village and its inclusion in a review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP)was not a valid reason to build the homes because the 20-year planning blueprint had not yet been approved.

The council’s planning officers said: “There are no technical objections to the proposal subject to conditions and financial obligations.

“The proposal would not have any significant or demonstrable adverse impact and in particular on the character of the area, landscape or ecology, which cannot be mitigated against and would not have any adverse impact on neighbouring properties.

“The highways authority is satisfied that the proposed development is safe and would not have any adverse impact.”

The planning committee meets from 2pm at the Civic Centre in Pershore on Thursday, October 12.