ANGRY campaigners in a Worcestershire village are protesting over a plan to build 31 new houses.

Residents in Rushwick say it will “ruin the character of their village” and pose a flood risk to their properties.

Developer Cala Homes has submitted a planning application to build on land known as Green Hedges, off Claphill Lane.

But residents say the field is often left saturated on very wet days, leading to concern the water “will have to go somewhere.”

They are also concerned about extra congestion in the village.

Jason Band, from Rushwick Against Development (RAD), said: “We have formed an action group to object against development in our village.

“We believe the site is just not suitable for this many homes. It’s an unreasonable number for that land. Flooding is the real concern – at the moment when it rains you can see it becomes heavily saturated.

“If this field is built on, the water will have to go somewhere. The whole thing will also detract from the character of the village.”

Under the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), a blueprint earmarking possible housing sites by 2030, the land has been identified for 23 new homes.

But RAD is arguing that Cala Homes is trying to “rush through” approval for its bigger scheme now, before the SWDP is formally approved next spring.

Seven objections have been handed to Malvern Hills District Council so far, and the consultation period runs until mid-August.

Some of the objections say it will “ruin” the scenic nature of Rushwick, which is know for its green plots.

Clare Wood, RAD secretary, said: “This whole thing is really gaining momentum now, we’ve got about people across the village backing us.”

Under the proposal, the development would include a range of affordable homes, two, three and four bedroom properties and bungalows.

An extra access road would also be created.

A spokesman for Cala Homes said: “While our scheme has been broadly well received, there were some local people who have objected to the proposals. However, many concerns raised have been addressed.

“The 23 dwellings proposed in the SWDP is only an estimate and is not based on a detailed site assessment.”