A 300-home plan near ancient woods in Pershore has left an MP feeling 'troubled.'

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has thrown her backing behind the Protect Tiddesley Wood group, which is campaigning to protect Tiddesley Wood from the threat of house-building.

She said she wants protest voices to be heard amid concerns about an application to knock down a farmhouse and agricultural buildings in Orchard Farm - next to the woodland area - as part of a 300-home development.

Evesham Journal: Protestors rallying outside a public event held by developer Hollybrook Homes in June. Protestors rallying outside a public event held by developer Hollybrook Homes in June. (Image: Protect Tiddesley Wood)
Mrs Baldwin has written to Wychavon District Council leader Chris Day, re-iterating her backing for campaigners looking to protect the green buffer zone around the woodlands.

She said: "Over recent years, I have spoken up for the protection of green spaces protecting the land around Tiddesley Wood and I recently met with campaigners who are strongly resistant to this latest housing development proposal.

"Like many local people, I was troubled to see plans to develop houses on the edge of Tiddesley Wood a couple of years ago, and I was pleased to hear that the local district council did not allow this site to go forward in the new version of the South Worcestershire Development Plan.

Evesham Journal: Residents and campaigners protesting outside the Bank House in Pershore High Street.Residents and campaigners protesting outside the Bank House in Pershore High Street. (Image: Protect Tiddesley Wood)

"Now local people are again mobilising to speak up against this latest housing development proposals and I plan to ensure their concerns are heard."

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Formula Land Ltd submitted the latest application last month.

However, in June, almost 200 people took to Pershore's High Street to rally against a move to build on Orchard Farm.

The protest, organised by the 1,500-strong Protect Tiddesley Wood Facebook group, was held outside the Bank House.

In 2022, campaigners celebrated when another home plan for the land next to Tiddesley Wood was cut from 450 to 112 in the most recent South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) draft.

The plan sets out where thousands of new homes will be built across the south of the county in the next 20 years.

To visit the planning application, visit the Wychavon District Council planning portal online.

Alternatively, email planning@wychavon.gov.uk quoting the planning reference W/23/02112/OUT.