CAMPAIGNERS fighting to stop a development near ancient woodland in Worcestershire have been given a boost after the matter was discussed in parliament.

The Protecting Pershore’s Woodland Group said it welcomed an intervention from West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, who raised the issue of Tiddesley Wood, near Pershore, which is under threat from a 450-home development plan.

Land at Orchard Farm off Defford Road has been included as a prospective site in the review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan with a plan to build 450 homes in the future next to the woodland, which is thousands of years old.

The matter was discussed in parliament this week by West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, who called for action to protect ancient habitats. She said: "Our net zero carbon emission ambition will need us to plant many new trees, but I have been keen to make the point that we must also protect our ancient woodlands too.

"The Tiddesley Wood planning application has caused extensive local concern and I am eager to press for the need to protect this land, and guarantee a quarter mile protection zone where developers can’t intrude on this much-loved wooded area.”

READ MORE: Pershore councillors lead fight against Tiddesley Wood development proposals

Housing minister Chris Pincher agreed there is a need to protect green spaces and maintain our ancient woodlands to ensure that we can live in a beautiful environment.

A Protecting Pershore’s Woodland Group spokesman said: "We are delighted that Harriett has raised our plight to Protect Tiddesley Wood in Parliament and very much appreciate all her support.

"The inclusion of Orchard Farm site into the SWDP preferred options document sent shockwaves throughout our town and we’ve yet to meet anyone in favour of building a large housing estate right on the borders of our 6000 year old ancient woodland.

"Tiddesley Wood is much loved by us all across the County and being a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it should be protected at all costs.

"On top of the overwhelming response to the SWDP during their consultation, our e-petition to Wychavon District Council was one of the first to manage to reach 2,765 in just 5 weeks.

"We await the opportunity to make a presentation to them in the hope that common sense will prevail and this site is removed as soon as possible."