A VILLAGE that is already bigger than Upton-upon-Severn is uniting to prevent further expansion.

People in Kempsey, near Worcester, say any new housing should be built on available sites within the village and not on fields outside the settlement area.

The newly formed South Kempsey Residents' Association and the Brookend Lane Residents' Association are working together to oppose a plan for 14 new homes at Old Road South.

Agricultural land off the narrow lane is an exception site, where building would be allowed only because of a need for affordable housing in Kempsey.

Nearly 1,000 households have pledged to oppose the plan by signing letters objecting to any building outside the village boundary.

"We are united on this. We are very clear that we want Kempsey to retain its character and we will resist all attempts to make it bigger," said Lyndsay Berryman, joint secretary of the new residents' association with Michelle Dix.

"Population figures from 2001 show that Kempsey had 2,514 people, compared to 2,438 in Tenbury Wells and 1,789 in Upton.

"We are fighting to remain a village," she said.

Kempsey Parish Council is equally opposed to stretching the village boundaries, naming three possible building sites within the village, behind Florence Close, behind the Community Centre and beside the village shop.

While accepting the need for affordable housing, members are sceptical about the figures provided by rural housing enabler Alan Saunders.

Showing a need for 31 affordable homes, these were questioned at this week's council meeting.

Members wanted to know how much of the existing stock was vacant, how long applicants had been waiting and what kind of homes they needed.

"Do they want starter homes, sheltered housing or bungalows?" asked Terry Ward.