LOCAL Lib Dem politicians are calling for a joint campaign to unify the local communities opposed to the Government’s proposals for mass housing development in South Worcestershire.

Speaking after a public meeting in Lower Broadheath echoed the widespread objections voiced elsewhere across the district, parliamentary candidate Richard Burt said: “Residents attending packed public meetings in Malvern, Kempsey, Hallow and now Broadheath have been united in their rejection of these proposals to shoehorn an extra 11,500 homes into the district.

“Each community is desperately seeking ways to defeat the plans, but they are tackling a huge bureaucratic juggernaut that will eventually roll over their objections.

“We need to bring together the passion and the commitment I have seen across the district and just say no to the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). We must also provide an alternative vision for housing growth in South Worcestershire.”

At least 1,600 new homes are currently being proposed for Malvern, and concerns have been voiced about overdevelopment, existing infrastructure’s inability to cope and whether such levels of development are required.

Cllr Tom Wells, leader of the Lib Dem and Green group on Malvern Hills District Council, backed calls for a united front against the strategy.

“It’s time to call a halt to the RSS madness. The proposed mass development of open countryside surrounding Worcester and Malvern would constitute wilful and deliberate environmental vandalism,” he said.

“Instead, local councils must be given time to carry out a full audit of brownfield sites in South Worcestershire and wherever possible allocate housing to such locations.

“A recent county council report has identified a shortfall of £178million for the essential infrastructure requirements such as roads, schools and healthcare provision. Until that money is found, no decision should be made about housing.”

Mr Burt and Cllr Wells plan to arrange a meeting to draw people from across the district together in the near future.