PLANS to build 20 homes in a village near Pershore have been put forward.

But parish councillors and villagers have concerns about overdevelopment and the impact on traffic.

Landowner Nick Sutton wants to build the development on land off Cooks Hill in Wick.

According to plans submitted to Wychavon District Council, the site is classed as being in open countryside but borders the village on two sides.

A planning statement says the location is “easily accessible on foot or cycle due to the presence of footpaths” that are also cycle routes.

“The application site is also located less than a mile from Pershore College, making it convenient for students and staff at the college.

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“The proposals will be appropriately located within an existing village for end occupiers to have a choice of travel options, to allow them to travel sustainably to a range of local facilities.”

Wick Parish Council said: “Cooks Hill traffic, although currently fairly light - apart from Confetti Fields period when it is just plain dangerous, has three aspects that sooner or later will involve a serious accident.

“The T junction at the end of main street leading to Cooks Hill has two blind spots, the turning from Owletts Lane into Cooks Hill has one left turn which also requires caution.”

The parish council said near misses also happen on a narrow stretch of the road with no pavement.

Neighbour Susan Young said the development could set a precedent for other fields in the village to be developed.

“In the last 40 years or so the only new houses have been built between existing ones and have enhanced the village, rather than extending its boundaries which this and future developments would do.

“No-one wants Wick to join up with, and be swallowed up by, Pershore.”

Susan Allard raised concern that the development would be on the edge of the Wick Conservation Area and that great crested newts - a protected species - have been seen in the area.