'Gutted. That’s beautiful, unspoiled': Residents say 180 homes would ruin ‘iconic’ view of West Midlands beauty spot
“Gutted. That’s a beautiful, relatively unspoiled view there.”
Residents fear a cherished countryside view could disappear forever.
Plans for 180 homes at Battenhall Farm in Worcester could lead to the loss of an iconic vista of the Malvern Hills.
The proposed site, located off Whittington Road and the A4440, is part of a green corridor connecting Battenhall Park and St Peters to London Road.
The site covers 5.85 hectares of land and the development could include open space, landscaping, and access routes.
But some fear the new homes will block existing views of the Malverns.
Fionna Caddick said the scheme would mean an “iconic view of the Malverns from the A4440 is gone.”
Rob Spratley said: “Gutted. That’s a beautiful, relatively unspoiled view there. Some things are priceless, I would find somewhere else.”
A Worcester News reader said: “Does that mean the 180 homes that will have a view of the Malvern Hills will obstruct the view of the hills that homes already have?
“Just asking because homes that were built on the west side of Worcester with a view of the countryside now have a view obstructed by other homes that have been built with a ‘view of the countryside’.”
The land lies near Whittington Hall business park and New College Worcester.
Plans, being brought forward by Boningale Developments Ltd, are at an early stage.
Worcester City Council has determined that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required, saying the project is unlikely to have a significant environmental effect.
The next step is likely to be the submission of outline plans.
Residents have also raised concerns about increased pressure on roads and services.
Dave Harford said: “Once again, what’s going to happen to the hospitals and roads, it can’t cope now. Gridlocked most rush hours.”
Others underlined the importance of long-term planning.
Shahrukh Shaik said: “Everyone agrees Worcester needs more housing.
“The question isn’t whether to build, but whether we’re building in the right places and providing the services needed for the extra residents.”
Andrew Napier said: “We should be protecting our countryside for future generations, not seeing it as just a potential development site.”
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