Residents anger at Bard move

The result of a public inquiry is not expected until next year.

Plans have been submitted for two housing estates and a bypass close to Anne Hathaway's cottage near Stratford-upon-Avon.

The scheme is being backed by The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, which own the Grade I listed building.

But many residents living nearby are objecting to the scheme and hope a public inquiry will decide in their favour.

The cottage, once the home of Shakespeare's wife, stands about a mile from the centre of Stratford in Shottery.

Members of The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust see the plan as an opportunity to make the cottage an even bigger attraction.

Roger Pringle from the Trust said: "The protection, the better presentation and better management of visitors to the cottage is crucial to its future."

But many residents in the area are opposed to the plan.

One resident, who did not want to be named, told BBC Midlands Today the move would be very bad for residents in the area.

The result of a public inquiry into the plan is not expected until the new year.