SCORES of passionate campaigners gathered for a peaceful protest against controversial development plans in Redditch.

Members of the community rallied together outside the Abbey Stadium where a full meeting of Redditch Borough Council was held last night (Monday, July 26).

One of the key issues raised by protestors is a plan to turn Ipsley Meadow into a cemetery, with residents wanting the land left untouched. Meanwhile, Morris Homes has put forward plans to build 236 new homes on land located off Far Moor Lane, which separates Winyates Green and Mappleborough Green.

Hundreds of residents have objected to both plans on the council's planning website.

Green campaigner Steve Pound said: "We are here protesting about the council's plans to turn Ipsley Meadows into a cemetery, which is appalling, and plans to turn Mappleborough Woods into housing."

He led chants at the protest, with campaigners shouting "no cemetery on Ipsley Meadow".

Retired planner Ivan Willcock, who previously worked for the council, said: "Why we're here is to protect public open space in Redditch. Ipsley Meadow, for example, is four and a half hectares and it's the equivalent off four and a half senior football pitches. It's very important to keep it.

"People are now recognising the health and welfare benefit of just having public open space that you can wander and relax in.

"They should look for better places to expand."

Mark Crompton, chairman of the Winyates Green Residents' Association, said: "The reason why people are here today is because we are sick and tired of all the green spaces in and around Redditch, disappearing and being turned into concrete.

"We want to live in the semi-rural town that we have. We want Redditch to stay as it is - green. We do not want a concrete jungle, we do not want loss of habitat for wildlife."

Before 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.