AN UNCONVENTIONAL first-of-its-kind plan to build solar-powered homes in Pershore looks set to be approved.

Greentown Housing wants to build 75 highly energy-efficient and solar-powered homes on land off Station Road in Pershore and planners at Wychavon District Council have recommended councillors give it the thumbs up.

The developer would also take cues from Sweden by constructing various parts of the homes - such as walls, floors and doors - off-site and then putting them together on location.

This method is a standard construction method in Scandinavia and is supposed to keep disruption to a minimum.

The developer said the main structure would be installed in about two days and would take eight weeks to complete.

The sustainable plan would be the first of its kind in Pershore and in Worcestershire, if it is backed by the council’s planning committee next Thursday (October 17).

The district council said the homes should be approved as long as the developer builds some of the homes slightly further away, make some of the gardens slightly deeper and build a children's play area.

Of the 75 homes, 30 would be sold and rented as affordable in line with the council's 40 per cent policy on affordable housing.

Permission for 75 homes was granted in principle by Wychavon District Council in December 2018.

The planning application is one of several submitted or already approved on land off Station Road as part of the Pershore North Urban Extension.

Several objections were raised by neighbours concerned by the increase of traffic in Station Road and surrounding roads.

Some residents in Westcott Way were concerned their street would be used as an access road for heavy vehicles to transport the homes.

Stuart Foster of Westcott Way said the developer should access the site through a different way to protect the safety of residents.

He said residents had already had to endure dust and dirt from passing vehicles building other homes around the area.