DEVELOPERS are keeping their fingers crossed over plans to build two pair of semi-detached houses at the back of properties in Cheltenham road.

Residents of Eastwick Park Estate are strongly opposing the plans on their estate because they fear it will cause traffic problems and use up green space.

The grassy verge involved is owned by HE Brookes and Sons Ltd who built Eastwick Park Estate in 1974. The application is for four semi-detached three-bedroom houses to be built at the back of number 78 and number 80 Cheltenham Road, and onto the estate's verge.

The applicants, Young, Newbury and HE Brookes and Sons Ltd are being represented by agent Berry & Young.

Mark Young, manager of Berry & Young, said: "We realise there's some strong feeling from the local residents. However, we have to allow Wychavon planning department to make a decision based on the planning policies which are in place to look after the Wychavon district."

One of the applicants, Norton Brookes, of HE Brookes and Sons Ltd, said: "That piece of land would have been built on originally when the land was developed but there was not enough building ground. There would have been no problem then. Number 78 and 80 have made that land available."

The plans are expected to go before Wychavon District Council next month.