OPPONENTS of controversial plans for playing fields off Sling Lane in Malvern say they will complain to the local government ombudsman about the way Malvern Hills District Council has handled the issue.

A planning application by Newtown Sports Football Club for changing rooms and parking is on the agenda when the council’s southern area development control committee meets on Wednesday. Planning officers are recommending approval.

This week, the Heart of Malvern Party, which represents residents’ views, wrote to MHDC chief executive Chris Bocock, saying the full consulation time had not been given.

But the council pointed out the consultation runs up until the meeting.

A spokesman said: “All consultation responses received are considered and those received after the report has been circulated are presented in an update given to the committee at the meeting.”

Gavin O’Mahoney of the party, whose main concern is traffic and public access to the land will be curtailed, said: “We’re hoping as many people as possible will come to the meeting to show how strong our opposition is to this plan which the council hopes to foist on local taxpayers and residents.”