Droitwich Spa's MEP Nikki Sinclaire has today thrown her support behind the campaign group battling to save Yew Tree Hill from developers.
A hearing has now begun at the Chateau Impney Hotel to determine if two applications to build homes to the south of the town can go ahead.
The 10-day inquiry is being held after developers lodged an appeal against the decision by Wychavon District Council to reject two applications for 765 homes and a 200 unit care facility last year.
The plans were put forward by Barberry Droitwich Ltd for 500 homes and a care facility and from Persimmon Homes Ltd for 265 homes - all at land north of Pulley Lane and Newland Lane.
The Euro MP has now moved to back members of Save Our Green Open Spaces (SOGOS), the group fighting to keep the land free of development.
She said: "I was recently made aware of the fight to Save Yew Tree Hill and I have since examined the proposals.
‘’The plans that have been re-submitted are simply inappropriate and I strongly object to the planning application, it is opportunistic and they are without planning merit.
The We Demand a Referendum Now MEP added: "Opportunist planning applications are being lodged around the West Midlands by greedy developers who put profits before life."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here