A TRACK allowing access to 60 planned new homes would be a “nightmare” for those living next door, a resident has warned.

The homes are being earmarked for land next to the former Tolladine golf course, off Newtown Road. A planning application is expected to be submitted later this year.

But Dan Robb, whose bungalow backs onto the bridleway he believes could be turned into a main access road for the scheme, says the route would ruin the area’s beauty.

“It’s a lovely site,” said Mr Robb, who only moved into his property in October. “My concern is over the access onto the bridleway. It is going to be murder.

“I jumped at the chance of this bungalow when it became available. It’s lovely and quiet. But when the houses are being built here can you imagine the noise and dust? It’s going to be a nightmare.”

Mr Robb said he had nothing against the new homes adding that an affordable quota, promised in the scheme, gave people the chance to get on the property ladder. But he said a more suitable and safer entrance would be from the old Ronkswood hospital site further down Newtown Road.

Land regeneration firm Northern Trust displayed its plans for the site, which is currently grassland, during a public consultation at Tolladine Community Centre.

It said the site, near Leopard Hill, had been identified for housing in the South Worcestershire Development Plan.

Local county councillor Andy Roberts said access through the bridleway was a surprise to him.

“It’s something that really has to be done very carefully,” he said. “That bridleway is centuries old and it’s lovely to walk along.”

Northern Trust said a proportion of the homes would be “affordable”, with new children’s play facilities and areas of “ecological enhancement” promised.

A spokesman for the firm said: “Our proposals are at an early stage in the planning process and we look forward to working with residents to understand their aspirations for the site. This will help to shape our plans as they evolve.”

Northern Trust added the development would represent “a substantial investment in the area”, creating construction jobs along the way.