MORE than 700 people have declared their opposition to plans to build homes on a field dubbed as Malvern’s ‘Green Lung’.
The campaign has been organised by the Pickersleigh Residents Group which plans to hand the petition to Malvern Hills District Council in September when developers Barwood are expected to submit their application.
Earlier this year they unveiled their proposals for up to 150 properties on the land off Hayslan Road sparking angry reactions from locals who quickly rallied to form a group.
Malvern Town Council has also mooted the idea of purchasing the 15.5 acre site which is currently owned by Malvern St. James Girls’ School.
At the end of July representatives from Barwood addressed the council’s Strategic Planning committee where they announced the firm would be purchasing an extra 6.5 acres of neighbouring land to preserve as open space in direct response to concerns raised by residents.
Members of the committee still appear to be split on the proposed development with some vehemently opposed to it and others seeing it as a realistic opportunity to secure much needed housing in the district.
At the meeting the councillors were informed it would take eight weeks for the land to be assessed in order to be registered as an Asset of Community Value – a move which would give community groups the chance to bid for the plot.
The committee was also told in terms of the council purchasing the land, offers would not be heard until the district council decided whether to approve or refuse the planning application once it was formally submitted.
Residents unsure about the plans have been urged to visit hayslanfields.weebly.com where they can also join the campaign against the development.
