A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build 110 homes on open land in Malvern Link goes back before planners this week.

Halkin Development Ltd wants to build the homes on former allotment land off Lower Howsell Road, but local residents have consistently opposed the scheme.

The application came up before Malvern Hills councillors in June but was deferred for an independent traffic survey to be made.

Now its is coming back before the council's southern area development management committee on Wednesday, with planning officers recommending approval.

The new survey, carried out by highways consultants RCA Regeneration, says that the traffic impact "would not be severe".

Over 750 people signed a petition opposing the scheme, with their main objections being the loss of open space and the impact of increased traffic on the existing road network.

Ron Harris, of the Malvern Link Forum, which opposed the plan, said: "I think it's going to go through, as they seem to want housing at all costs. But if this land is built on, and then the land at Newland, there will be no open spaces for the existing and the new residents."

He said that Malvern needs bungalows for older people looking to downsize, rather than more family homes.

The meeting is at the council chamber in Avenue Road, starting at 7pm.