Controversial housing plans for Fernhill Heath look set to be given the go-ahead - despite fierce opposition from residents.

A total of 12 houses, ranging from semi-detached bungalows to five-bedroom mansions, have been earmarked for Station Road.

But local people say there isn't enough room for any more development and have accused Wychavon District Council of ruining their once idyllic little village.

They have argued that more houses will lead to increased traffic congestion, will put a huge strain on local schools and will overload the already full sewerage systems.

"Education is my main concern," said Sue Nottingham, of Station Road.

"My daughter's school already has classes of 30 children, and if these houses do go up, then there will be more children to accommodate.

"The village as a whole just doesn't have the infrastructure to cope with further development. There is a total lack of amenities and more people will just make it worse."

People in the village are also annoyed that a new road will be built to allow access to the properties.

This will cut off the present public right of way, which provides the quickest routes to the shops and schools.

"The council aren't thinking of the residents if they accept these plans," said Dorothy Weston, of Kennels Lane.

"Why else would they cut through our public right of way. If the plans go ahead it will extend what is now a two-minute walk to the shops to 10 or 15 minutes. It's disgraceful."

Wychavon District Council has tried to quell the fears by saying if it does accept the plans, applicant Cala Homes (Midlands) Ltd will have to meet some strict guidelines.

It is proposed that two of the houses will be for social rent, that Cala will pay £33,144 for open space, £12,613 towards education facilities and £500 for a cycle network.

"We understand the concerns of the public, but we believe these are problems which can be overcome," said planning officer Robert Peel.

"We have spoken to Highways Partnership about traffic, and they have no objections to the plans. We have spoken to Severn Trent Water, and they have no objections, neither have the Environment Agency.

"We see no reason, in principle, why this proposal shouldn't go ahead."

The council's development control and licensing committee has been recommended by officers to delegate approval to the head of planning. A decision will be made next Thursday, May 29.