VILLAGERS in Bidford have voiced their outrage at plans to develop part of the High Street.

They turned out in force at a parish council planning meeting on Monday to express concern about two houses and six apartments planned for the Fraser House site.

High Street residents, Peter Adams and Simon Barrier have also written letters of objection to Stratford District Council.

Mr Adams, who attended the meeting, slammed the scheme. He said: "We've already got a problem with the amount of traffic on the High Street and parking there. I think they'll be more problems with parking if a massive apartment block is built. It will also spoil the view from our houses. It's just outrageous."

Simon Barrier said: "Think of the congestion that this development will bring. Unless you live down that end of the village you don't realise the amount of development that takes place and the congestion problems."

Christine Getgood, who also lives in High Street, was concerned about the 15 car park spaces for the eight houses, proposed in the plan.

Bidford parish councillor Frank Spiers said: "I've looked at these plans and I think it's a disaster.

"These plans will alter the riverside, which will alter the environment and disrupt the village atmosphere." Another worry raised by both residents and parish councillors was the risk of floods after 40 per cent of the area was flooded in 1998.

Parish councillors agreed to oppose the planning application at their meeting on Monday. The plans will now go before Stratford District Council for a decision once a flood assessment has been made by the Environment Agency.