BROCKHILL residents have criticised proposals for a "totally unnecessary" development they say will destroy a natural feature which gave Redditch its name.

Persimmon Homes has applied to build a convenience store, day nursery and office units on vacant land off Brockhill Lane.

But residents say the development will encroach onto the course of the River Arrow at the site where Redditch earned its name.

At this point of the river, the water flows through a layer of clay which turns it red, lending the name ''red ditch'' and eventually becoming Redditch.

Oaklands resident Lisa Gutridge said: "This is a totally unnecessary development which most residents are vehemently opposing.

"We already have excellent access to shops and the town is brimming with vacant office space.

"This development will cause traffic problems, the shop will encourage antisocial behaviour and there will be noise pollution.

"At a town hall meeting, about 40 residents turned up, which proves just how strongly we're against this."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "We're appalled about these plans.

"They're building over this historic feature which gave our town its name. If the red ditch no longer exists, our town will lose its identity and a sense of the past."

Redditch Council head of planning services John Staniland said: "This area is where Redditch got its name from.

"If given the go-ahead, there will be some drainage issues concerning the red ditch but it will largely be left untouched.

''In fact, we're looking at developing a walkway to give the public even better access."

Residents have until July 20 to write to the council with objections.

The development is likely to be discussed at a planning meeting in August.