BROMSGROVE MP Sajid Javid has joined calls for a controversial housing estate scheme in Hagley to be scrapped.

Mr Javid has thrown his weight behind calls to reject an application by Cala Homes to build 175 homes on Kidderminster Road which has sparked a wave of public opposition.

Opponents argue adding that many homes will increase pressure on roads, schools and doctors in Hagley beyond what village infrastructure can cope with; a view Hagley's MP shares.

Sajid Javid said: "I agree with many of my constituents that this development would alter the character of the village.

"Residents are understandably perturbed by this possibility. The strength of local feeling on this issue has been made very clear to me.

"I do not support this proposed development."

Air quality is also causing concern with fears extra traffic would overload the environment with toxic chemicals.

Hagley Parish Council chairman, Steve Colella, said: “No matter where these houses are proposed to be built in Hagley traffic will at some time during the day use the A491 and or the A456.

"In my view the proposed traffic control measures will undoubtedly increase traffic congestion, which in turn means that stationary queuing traffic pumps more pollutants into the air."

Cala Homes say they believe the development would increase traffic by just one per cent and have pledged to spend £1m on improvements to the busy traffic island near the proposed building site.

Cala Homes’ regional managing director, Darren Humphreys, said: "This work will improve the traffic flow so that peak period queues are reduced. This will also help improve the current air quality in the area."

The company has also pledged cash to pay for improvements to education and medical care in the village.

Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee is set to meet in early December but a council spokesman could not confirm the Cala Homes application would be on the agenda.

He said: "The application will be considered as soon as possible."