NEIGHBOURS in Pershore are fighting a planning application for homes on their doorstep for the third time.

Homeowners are once again in uproar over plans to build on two fields on the town's boundary.

The current application for Hurst Meadows, Wyre Road, includes building 85 houses, including 34 for social housing, a new roundabout and two new combined footpath/ cycleways linking the new houses with the school, town and industrial estate.

It could mean an extra 300 or more residents in the town, which currently has a population of 7,304.

Similar plans were put forward last June and in 1989.

"It is ridiculous that we are going through this again," said Mill Lane Close resident Paula Lyons.

"We didn't find out about the latest application until we read about it in the Worcester News.

"We have stopped any development so far and plan to do the same again."

The residents are once again planning to hold public meetings, have set up several petitions, and are looking to gain the support of MPs and councillors. Their arguments are the same as before.

"Pershore just isn't big enough to take 300 or more residents, a 100 or so extra cars, and more children," said Joyce Matthews, of Mill Lane.

"The local schools could not cope, there are not enough job vacancies and the traffic would be absolutely horrendous. All that we fought for six months ago still stands."

Lansdowne Rodway defended its decision to submit another application.

"We expect this site to be able to furnish a large proportion of Pershore's and the surrounding area's immediate affordable housing need," said managing director Charles Rodway.

"Forty per cent of the site will be devoted to affordable housing."

But that won't deter the residents.

"Saying there will be affordable homes is just an excuse," added Mrs Matthews.

"It does not alter the fact that these houses are not wanted.

"A lot of people are against this application for many reasons and we are determined to stop it."