A PETITION against building an 80-bed care home on the edge of the city has reached more than 500 signatures.

Cllr Mel Allcott, who represents Claines on Worcester City Council, has launched a petition against the "outrageous" proposal to build a care home next to Common Hill Manor in Northwick and said not only is the land much-loved green space in the community but there is no need for the care home when there are plans to build one less than a mile away.

Northwick Developments Ltd has put forward a plan to build a two-storey £9 million care home off Northwick Road in Northwick near Worcester.

A plan for a 74-bed care home on the remaining part of the old park and ride site in John Comyn Drive off Droitwich Road, less than a mile away from Old Northwick Farm, was submitted to Worcester City Council in January.

Cllr Allcott said whilst the plan is on the edge of Worcester, it will be decided by planners at Wychavon, none of whom live in the area.

She said: “I think it is outrageous a developer has put forward a proposal for a care home, on an irreplaceable green field site, known for its diverse and rare ecology, medieval history and stunning landscape view. The land is not even in the current SWDP.

“Furthermore, there are plans for a care home on the old park and ride site, just a stone's throw away. Of most concern is that the area floods.

"Can it be any more dangerous for people who need to reside in a care home? The public need to be aware the plans come under Wychavon District Council. None of the councillors on the planning committee live near the site.

“Bearing in mind Wychavon District Council granted planning permission for the Bellway development in Claines and the ongoing problems ever since building commenced, how can one feel anything but very concerned?

“Many generations have enjoyed this area. I want to ensure future generations do too.”

The land lies outside the development boundary stated within the current South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) but has been put forward for potential development as part of the ongoing SWDP review.

The proposed care home would be built near to land on Old Northwick Farm earmarked for 62 affordable homes as part of a controversial planning application currently in the midst of an appeal with the government's planning inspectorate.

To view the petition visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-donkey-field.

The plans can be viewed via the planning section of Wychavon District Council's website. Consultation ends on March 12. The application number is 20/00234/OUT.