A "RIDICULOUS" plan to build 30 homes has been refused, but residents fear it will now go to appeal.

The plan to build homes on Stonebow Road in Drakes Broughton was unanimously refused by district councillors on Thursday (February 1).

It was met with cheers and applause by villagers who had been protesting against more housing developments in the village after claiming they had exceeded the SWDP requirement by 180 per cent.

The plan would have seen the new homes be built on fields next to Sanctuary's 110-home development known as The Orchards - another development residents had protested against.

However, residents fear this win will not be the end of their housing ordeal.

Evesham Journal: Chris Rhodes wants the field to be a community orchard.Chris Rhodes wants the field to be a community orchard. (Image: NQ)Chris Rhodes has lived in Drakes Broughton for 51 years and said she had seen many new developments in the village win on appeal.

She said: "It won't be the end of it, and it will probably go to appeal, but we will get ourselves a lot better organised."

Residents have been protesting the plans since they were submitted and said they will not stop if it is sent to appeal.

Evesham Journal: Residents were poised with their placards outside the field. Residents were poised with their placards outside the field. (Image: NQ)Another resident, Sally Skilling, said: "The water system cannot take it and flooding is terrible at the moment.

"It is utterly ridiculous. People's gardens are flooding.

"We have got a very high water table, and it does not drain away, and it is just not fair."

In 2013 when the neighbourhood plan was being drafted by neighbours, they had agreed to more than 50 additional houses.

Evesham Journal: Residents claim Drakes Broughton is getting badly affected by an increase in housing developments. Residents claim Drakes Broughton is getting badly affected by an increase in housing developments. (Image: NQ)But since then residents claim they have seen around 350 new houses be built from various developments over the years.

Speaking at the planning meeting, councillor Janet Butterworth, chair of Drakes Broughton & Wadborough with Pirton Parish Council, said: "Drakes Broughton has over-delivered on its housing requirements on the current SWDP by more than 180 per cent.

"The sewers are overwhelmed. There is no more capacity for any other houses."

Residents said they would like the land to become a community orchard so residents have a tranquil space to go to where they can enjoy nature.