RESIDENTS in Ripple have voiced concerns about the plans for a holiday village at Upton Marina.

One hundred residents packed a public meeting at the Bluebell pub on Tuesday and raised fears about the size of the development, its impact on the landscape and nearby properties, traffic and general disruption to local life.

Outline permission for an extension to the marina basin, waterside apartments and holiday lodges was granted in 2004. This was despite opposition from residents and the parish council and a recommendation for refusal by Malvern Hills District Council planning officers.

Now detailed plans have been submitted by Tingdene Marinas and residents are even more worried about the impact that the holiday village will have.

"We don't want flat-pack caravans or mobile homes of appalling architectural quality spoiling the approach to our beautiful historic town," said resident Martin Jones. He was commenting on plans for 42 pre-fabricated 120ft by 60ft wooden chalets on concrete slabs on land next to the marina.

Residents at The Beeches, next to the proposed development, were particularly worried.

"The holiday homes will have floors higher than the roofs of our homes," said resident Betty Hopestone.

Ripple Parish Council vice-chairman Marcia Proffitt said when outline permission was sought, residents and the council had been assured the holiday homes would be built into the hillside to reduce the visual impact and stop them obstructing the views of nearby houses.

Now the detailed plans showed a development larger and more obtrusive than the one residents had initially opposed, she said.

Tony Addison, of The Beeches, said:"Let's battle, let's work together, let's get the plans changed. Let holiday visitors enjoy our town but not at our expense."

The application goes before MHDC's southern area planning committee next month.