Villagers bid to stop developer demolishing abandoned and overgrown home as they claim it is now a wildlife haven

Published: 12:14 EDT, 26 October 2026 | Updated: 12:50 EDT, 26 October 2026 Villagers are locked in a battle to stop a developer demolishing an abandoned and overgrown four-bedroom home they claim is now a wildlife haven. Aerial photographs show the derelict property in the picturesque village of Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire, almost swallowed by trees and shrubs. Developers have been given the green light to demolish the building on Stonebow Road, where house prices average £500,000, and replace it with seven homes.But furious local residents are campaigning for the land to remain untouched amid fears bulldozers will destroy one of the village's last wildlife refuges.The Wychavon District Council planning committee has heard concerns about the impact of developing the overgrown plot.Professional dog walker Christine Craddock, 51, who has lived in the village for 16 years, said: 'The village is unrecognisable compared to what it was eight or nine years ago. 'The population has more than doubled and houses are being built quicker and quicker.'Almost every green space is being turned into newbuild estates. There was a lovely buttercup field near my house which we'd walk the dogs in but that is all houses now.'I objected to this land being developed because it's sort of a symbol of hope that nature can reclaim what was there before. Aerial photographs show the derelict property in the picturesque village of Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire, almost swallowed by trees and shrubs Developers have been given the green light to demolish the building on Stonebow Road, where house prices average £500,000, and replace it with seven homes Professional dog walker Christine Craddock, 51, who has lived in the village for 16 years, said the village has now become unrecognisable 'It might be a derelict house but there is so much nature in that site that it would be a real shame to lose it.'We are a rural village yet this overgrown site is probably one of the last places you can see nature thriving.'Neighbour Ian Perry, 53, who has lived on the road for four-and-a-half years, also fears for the animals living there.He said: 'My main concern is the wildlife that would be disturbed if the houses are built.'There's muntjac deer and woodpeckers and all sorts of other birds.'It is unclear what would happen to the house on the land because the planning application relates to the site it stands on.'Another resident compared the growing village to a 'rabbit warren' of newbuild homes.They said: 'There is so little green space in the village, it's becoming something of a rabbit warren of newbuild homes and rat runs.'The house has been empty for years and you can't get near it because it's literally wrapped in brambles but there are probably bats and all kinds of birds and wildlife inside. Locals fear if the land is bulldozed if could affect the wildlife living on the site The house is hidden behind a number of shrubs and trees 'There must be dozens of different species of trees which have grown up around the house over the years. It's actually rather lovely to walk past.'I can't see the house not being knocked down, the opinion of many is that if the land is given over to new homes it's inevitable the house will go anyway.'My concern is that it will not only be the wildlife that will be harmed, it's also the extra pressure on the drainage system, which is terrible, and the traffic which will only get worse.'Planners last week agreed to grant developers permission in principle to demolish the property, with the final ruling expected in the next few months. According to councillors, the house belonged to Marjory Turvey before she died aged 91 in 2023.They say it is subject to a restrictive covenant, potentially stopping it from being demolished.The land now belongs to property developer Robert Turner, who plans to clear the site and build seven new homes, sparking anger among neighbours.Mr Turner has been approached for comment.