CAMPAIGNERS say they have been left "incredibly frustrated" after admitting defeat over 35 homes being built on historic Worcester fields.

Despite 200 people signing a petition to try and protect land in Rose Bank, off London Road, developers secured the go-ahead before Christmas.

Matthews City and Country Homes got the nod from the city council's planning committee despite the likes of the Battlefields Trust saying it "undoubtedly saw fighting” during the Battle of Worcester.

Residents and councillors say the development, on land known as the Pratley's Estate, is something that still irks.

To ease concerns over access the lane called Rose Bank, which is a dead end, will become a 'shared space' for cars and pedestrians, connecting Albert Road to London Road.

But opening it up will take the pavement away.

Nearby householder Nigel Bullock, who lives at Rose Bank House, said: "Our big issue was the sheer density of the development, hence the shock when it went through.

"But this shared space seems a mad idea - Rose Bank isn't even flat, it slopes.

"To us, taking away the pavement to create a shared route with pedestrians and vehicles will make safety worse."

Two ward councillors, Lynn Denham and Jabba Riaz, were also among the leading figures criticising it.

Councillor Denham said: "It was exactly the same planning application that the committee refused in September, that was part of the annoyance.

"The concerns over the access, the impact on the heritage of the site, the landscaping, how dense it is, all of that still remains."

The planning committee gave it the nod after officers reminded them the land is earmarked for development in the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), for 20 homes.

The land set for the building is on a slightly larger scale though, and the developer has promised that 14 of the 36 homes will be affordable, a major boost.

Phil Deeley, an agent acting for the developer, said the county council "concluded there would be no severe impacts" from extra traffic.

He added: "The site is located in a sustainable location, whereby a number of key services are accessible by means other than private motorised vehicles.

"On the whole, Matthews City and Country Homes are delighted with the outcome and are looking forward to continuing to work with Worcester City Council on delivering an exemplary scheme that will provide much-needed new homes that will positively contribute to this area."

He also pointed to the scheme being strongly supported by the council's planning and conservation officer, and its advisory committee on conservation, which said it had the potential to be "exemplary" in its design.

An archaeological investigation will need to be done before work starts.