TWO major planning applications for Bidford are being recommended for refusal at a meeting tonight (Thursday).

A bid for outline planning permission for 120 homes, shop, nursing home and open space on the Friday Furlong, in Waterloo Road, and a plan to expand the Bidford Grange Hotel and Golf Club are due to be discussed by the Avon area planning committee.

Planning officers recommend that the application by Cranbrook Homes for Friday Furlong be refused. There has been three letters of objection from residents. Concerns have also been raised by parish councils in Cleeve Prior and Honeybourne, Bidford Health Centre, who said it would not be able to cope with the extra demand, and Wychavon District Council, which said the application should not be discussed until the preferred use of the site had been decided at the local plan public inquiry.

Officers have recommended refusal on the grounds that the application does not conform to the local plan because of the high number of houses and key sections of brownfield land which have been excluded.

An application for a £5million extension at Bidford Grange, to include a leisure centre, 70 bedrooms, two function rooms and a restaurant has also been recommended for refusal.

Officers say the grounds for refusal are be increased traffic and highway safety and the effect on the landscape of the new buildings and new lake on the golf course.