A NEW bid to build houses at Greenavon, Princess Road, Evesham, described by planning officers as creeping urbanisation, looks set to fail at a development control meeting today.

A scheme which involved the demolition of a house, outbuildings and garages and the erection of six houses with garages, new access road and parking areas was refused by the council on December 16, 2004.

Councillors said the site extended beyond the defined Evesham Town development boundary to an unacceptable degree resulting in an intrusive form of development and encouraging other similar developments.

A report from Wychavon's planning officers going before the committee says: "The applicants have since changed their approach and have submitted this outline application which includes details of access and siting for consideration at this stage. The scheme now comprises 14 smaller dwellings arranged in two terraces facing eastwards with an access road in front."

Several of the dwellings would have car parking provided within their boundaries while others would make use of the existing garage blocks which were to be renovated. A turning area and drop-off parking area were also proposed.

Evesham Town Council said it was over development causing traffic problems in the Princess Road area particularly in view of the increased use of the Arts Centre.

A petition, signed by 65 residents of Windsor Road, Victoria Avenue, Cambria Road and Princess Road, along with 20 individual letters of objection, have been sent to the council.

Recommending refusal, planning officers say a significant part of the site is outside the main built-up part of the town, resulting in an unacceptable intrusion into the open countryside, harmful to the landscape setting and resulting in creeping urbanisation of the countryside.

They say it would also set a precedent for further development on open land outside the limits of the built-up area.