OUTRAGED residents are facing the prospect of losing a popular play area after councillors gave the green light to a housing development.

The bid by Prowting Homes to build 162 properties on the current Kidderminster College site has been met with widespread outrage from Aggborough folk.

But members of Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee have given initial approval to the proposal to build on three acres of quarry land off Hoo Road.

The college is due to move to a new site in Market Street by September 2002 and has agreed a deal with the firm to sell the land.

However, dozens of residents say the loss of the land where youngsters play and people walk dogs is "robbing" the community.

Speaking after the meeting, resident representative Robin Vaughan, of Griffin Avenue, said: "This is the only green area in the locality and the land was originally given to Worcestershire Education Authority under covenant by a local family, in order to provide an area for the benefit of children.

"This will create traffic chaos and exacerbate severe problems which exist when Kidderminster Harriers play at home, as well as destroying wildlife habitats."

He was supported by some councillors who opposed the housing plan.

It will now go forward for discussion by the council's overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday and Government Office for the West Midlands because of its size.

Councillor Chris Nicholls said the development would create a "concrete jungle" and Councillor Reg Johnstone feared turning the site into housing would mean hundreds more children with nowhere to play in years to come.

Councillor Fran Oborski agreed with planning officer Mike Parker's report that traffic calming measures would be needed for the Hoo Road area to cope with increased traffic flow as a result of the development, and the council should help the Highways Partnership with this matter.

She said: "Traffic regularly backs up Hoo Road waiting to reach Comberton Hill and it is possible we would have to look at an alternative to the current left-only system which operates there, such as a traffic island."

Anyone who would like to join the residents' group can call 01562 751330 for details.