A PUBLIC information event has been organised ahead of plans being resubmitted for a controversial housing development in Worcester.

Plans for the building of 52 homes at Old Northwich Farm in Northwick Road were first approved in February 2015. The move sparked outrage among nearby residents, who say the site suffers regular flooding problems.

The approved application, which was originally from Bloor Homes, included plans for 21 affordable homes, the demolition of number 221 Northwick Road, as well as car parking arrangements, an open and nature reserve, and a new footpath link

But after the time ran out for building work to begin, a new applicant, Nick Rawlings of Tewkesbury, took over the site and resubmitted a new application for it, similar to the 2015 one.

That was approved at a city council planning meeting in December 2016, despite the Environment Agency officially classed the land as a flood zone and the decision being branded "crazy" by campaigners.

But since then the building of the homes has never came to fruition.

And in the latest twist, social housing provider Stonewater has recently took on the site, and is looking to resurrect the plans.

A flyer has been sent out to residents, which says: "Stonewater has recently acquired the site and will shortly be submitting a revised planning application following on from the previous planning application, P16E0451."

A public information event has been organised by Stonewater, taking place this Tuesday, September 25, between 4pm and 7pm, at which Stonewater says the public will be able to view the revised development proposals for the land.

A spokesman for Worcester City Council said: "The council has had very informal discussions with Stonewater who has purchased the site from Bloor Homes following the grant of planning permission to them for residential development of the site under planning application P16E0451, which was approved by the planning committee at the meeting on December 15, 2016.

"The planning permission was issued on June 29, 2018 following completion of the s106 agreement.

"We understand that Stonewater intend to submit a planning application for a revised scheme in the next few weeks and are proposing advance publicity/consultation accordingly."

Anyone wanting further information is asked to call Stonewater on 023 8065 8836, email Develop.support@stonewater.org or visit stonewater.org.