PEOPLE in Weobley have set up an action group to oppose plans for affordable homes.

Social housing group Marches Housing, along with a planning consultant, has earmarked the land opposite Weobley Primary School as a spot which could meet the area’s need for cheaper homes.

But those living in the black and white village say the Pepper Plock site should be preserved, not developed.

In the next few days they will launch a petition opposing the idea which they hope around 80 per cent of Weobley residents will sign.

“It is a piece of land which the villagers treasure,” said campaigner and villager Bill Brenner, one of 24 members of the newly-formed Weobley Action Group.

“They have used it for hundreds of years. It is unspoiled conservation land and we don’t want it built on.”

Mr Brenner stressed it wasn’t the homes themselves they were objecting to, just the location.

During a recent consultation event in the village, attended by almost 80 people, three quarters of those asked said they wouldn’t support an affordable housing development on Pepper Plock.

Residents were assured the seven homes would be allocated to those already living or working in the area.

The parish council has expressed its support for the scheme.

Herefordshire Council spokesman John Burnett said: “A housing needs survey was carried out in Weobley a few years ago and, supported by information from HomePoint, which advertises empty homes in Herefordshire on behalf of social housing groups, concluded there is a need for affordable housing in the village.”