REDDITCH campaigners are set to protest against the “destruction of green spaces” outside a council meeting next week.

A peaceful protest has been organised to be held outside the Abbey Stadium, where a full Redditch Borough Council meeting will take place on Monday (July 26).

Protesters will be rallying against controversial planning applications including the proposed cemetery at the Ipsley Meadow site, and the Mappleborough Woods housing development.

Plans for the protest have been shared on the Ipsley Meadow Preservation Society Facebook group, with campaigners set to congregate around 6.20pm.

Councillor Juliet Brunner, who will be attending the protest, said: “It’s people’s opportunity to tell the elected members what they feel about the erosion of our green space.”

People have been asked to bring along posters, flyers and banners.

Retired planner Ivan Willcock, who will also be attending the protest, said the council has “backed itself into a corner” over the cemetery plans. He said he previously discussed an alternative proposal to expand the existing Abbey Cemetery site with councillors.

“The council has made its proposal for Ipsley Meadow and received over 700 letters of objection.

“The application has been around for nearly a year and no decision has been made.

He says that expanding the Abbey Cemetery will be “cheaper” and “more efficient.” Mr Willcock has highlighted a number of fields and areas around the site that could be used for cemetery land.

“They already have existing car parks there, they have proper access," he added.

“The council has got itself into a corner and I’ve come up with an idea that will get them out of it. It will be cheaper, more efficient and quicker.”

In response to the planned protest, leader of Redditch Borough Council Matt Dormer urged campaigners to "avoid any dialogue" with planning committee members due to live applications being considered.