OPPONENTS of a scheme to build houses on a green lung in the centre of Malvern have only a few days to voice their protests for a planning appeal later this year.

Developer Barwood Strategic Land has its application to build up to 150 homes on the land off Hayslan Road refused in February, but is appealing against the decision.

And with the deadline for submissions on Wednesday, September 23, the Pickersleigh Residents Group is urging everyone who opposed the development to write in and make their feelings known.

Tom Eustace of the group said: "There are just a few days left. If you oppose the plan and you haven't yet written in, please so so and let them know you oppose the plans.

"Malvern Hills District Council is on our side; they unanimously rejected the plan back in February. We need everyone to do their bit and let the inspector know that they oppose the plan.

"The land is a rare example of a flat public open space in the middle of Malvern and is extremely popular with walkers of all ages."

Opponents also point to the wildlife on the field, and to the problems posed by access at HayslanRoad;'s junction with Pickersleigh Road.

Barwood wants to build houses on the field, with another field next to to be reserved as public open space. But protesters submitted 241 letters and a petition of 1,538 names in objection. The district council's own planning officers recommended that it is kept as public open space.

Last week, Malvern Town Council's strategic planning committee reiterated its opposition to the plan, based on flooding risk, housing density, traffic congestion and environmental concerns.

Town clerk Linda Blake said: "Members agreed to repeat to in their appeal submission what they said about the planning application. They also said they wanted any appeal hearing to take place in Malvern."

The appeal has been set for Thursday, November 12.

Barwood declined to comment when contacted by the Gazette this week.

The files is owned by Malvern St James, the girl's school, which has said it intends to use proceeds from its sale to fund a bursary programme.

Comments can be made to the Planning Portal at planningportal.gov.uk/pcs or by emailing casework.plus@pins.gsi.gov.uk.

Written submissions should be made in triplicate to Mr L McClean, the Planning Inspectorate, 2 The Square, 3/26 Temple Quay House, Bristol BS1 6PN.