Plan for nine new homes in Cropthorne, near Evesham

Plans for housing in Field Barn Lane in Cropthorne have been submitted to Wychavon District Council.

The village is earmarked for a significant number of new homes in the proposed South Worcestershire Development Plan Review - a document that guides planning policy - and several have already been built.

The latest proposal is for up to nine houses on land to the west of Field Barn Lane.

The application is for permission in principle, which means that even if it is approved by Wychavon District Council, developers will still need to come back for further approval with more detailed proposals.

The Ramblers’ Association has said it hopes two well-used paths would be protected should the development go ahead, and that “every effort would be made” to keep them open while construction work took place.

An objection has been submitted by neighbour Clive Warren.

He expressed concern the development would exacerbate existing traffic problems in the area.

“There have already been accidents along here involving pedestrians, cars, agricultural machinery, livestock, wild animals and domestic pets,” he said.

“Middle Lane and Field Barn Lane are small country roads, and more cars would add to the problem of safety, noise, pollution and traffic.”

Mr Warren also raised concerns over the loss of green space, a lack of local amenities including schools, GP surgeries and employment opportunities, and suggested brownfield sites in Evesham or Pershore would be better suited to such a development.

“Please don’t allow this development to happen,” he added.

The planning statement submitted by Inchbald Day Planning as part of the application states: “The development would contribute towards the much-needed supply of housing.

“Overall, these benefits would attract significant weight in favour of granting permission in light of the council's housing land supply position.

“In economic and social terms benefits would flow from this development, including during the construction process.

“There would also be economic and social benefits arising from spending from future residents which would help sustain the local facilities in Cropthorne, as well as in the wider area.

“Economic and social benefits will accrue for the new dwellings in so far as the prospective occupiers will doubtless use and support the services and facilities and therefore help maintain the vitality of Cropthorne and other settlements in the vicinity.”