A PLAN for around 70 new houses on Half Key Road in North Malvern has met with strong opposition from local residents.

The outline application is for a large development which will include a substantial proportion of "affordable" homes.

The land north of Half Key Road, opposite the junction with Kinnersley Road, is currently used for grazing and is outside the settlement boundary on Malvern Hills District Council's Local Plan.

People living near the proposed development are horrified at the prospect of an additional 70 homes and 140 cars on Half Key Road, which is very narrow and already busy.

They are also concerned with the impact on local schools and other services, particularly as the site is close to the former MoD North Site, where there are plans for around 390 new homes.

"This area just can't cope with so many extra houses. The road is already dangerously busy and where will the extra children go to school and what is there here for teenagers?" said Sue Davis, who lives nearby.

Another resident, Jeanette Dunleavy, said she knew change was sometimes inevitable but that the narrow road couldn't cope with such a large scale development.

Stanley Waddington, who has lived in Half Key Road for more than 40 years, said it would be a tragedy to lose the ancient hedgerow and the rural area beyond.

The applicant G P Brooke of Barley Farm, Alfrick, was unavailable for comment.