TWENTY new affordable houses may be built on a field on the outskirts of Tenbury Wells.

Malvern Hills District Council's planning officers support the scheme for Oldwood Road - the main A4112 Tenbury to Leominster road - which includes seven shared ownership properties, 13 rented homes, 40 parking spaces and new access road.

Tenbury Town Council is also backing the development near Tenbury High School, but has recommended a 20mph speed limit should be introduced during school hours.

It also believes the homes would increase the risk of flooding on Bog Lane and has suggested a new culvert is created from the site to the River Teme.

There have been five letters and emails from residents objecting to the scheme because of their concerns about flooding, highway safety, and loss of amenity.

Planning officer Vicky Bilton said: "This site is close to, but outside, the settlement boundary of Tenbury Wells, where normally residential development would be resisted.

"It is evident that opportunities for the release of land for affordable housing closer to the town centre are severely limited."

She said the amenity of neighbouring properties would be maintained and that the highways authority considers the development complies with highway safety.

A pumping station would be provided to deal with sewage and the plans indicate the proposed use of sustainable urban drainage techniques and the creation of a storm water drain to an adjacent water course.

The district council will discuss the application at a meeting tomorrow.