MORE than 100 people have signed a petition protesting at plans for flats off Moat Way in Malvern.

Festival Housing Association has submitted a planning application for two two-storey blocks, containing eight flats in all, behind houses in Pound Bank Road and The Glade.

The site is currently empty, apart from a few garages and is used for parking by local residents.

Shirley Williams, of Pound Bank Road, said she was worried about her garden being overlooked.

She said: "It could have been a low-level building, like a bungalow and that wouldn't be so bad. It'll damage property values because no-one wants to be overlooked."

Peter Hornsby, also of Pound Bank Road, said local feeling was strong.

He said: "There's a chap who's been parking his car there for 40 years and now he'll have to park it by the roadside."

The petition was put up at the Spar shop, Moat Way, for local people to sign.

Shop manager Simon Grewal said: "Within a day we had more than 100 people signing it. They should have asked local people what we wanted."

The application is currently with Malvern Hills District Council, but no date for a decision has yet been set.

Richard Grounds, of Festival Housing, said it had done extensive public consultation, including door-to-door surveys.

He said: "We think the scheme will improve the local environment, as there have been numerous complaints of anti-social behaviour there and it will help meet the growing need for affordable housing."