A CONTROVERSIAL application to build hundreds of homes in Whitford is set to go before town planners for a third time this month.

The application from Catesby Estates Ltd and Miller Homes Ltd to build 490 homes on land off Whitford Road was first considered at the April meeting of Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee.

After being deferred for talks on traffic concerns, it was then discussed at the June meeting of the committee.

After a lengthy debate committee members again voted to defer, this time to see the result of a Worcestershire County Council debate on the feasibility of a Western link road.

At the county council meeting that motion was defeated with councillors saying it should go back to Bromsgrove District Council. A similar motion was then passed by district councillors in July.

It has now been revealed that the application will be determined at the next planning committee meeting, taking place on Thursday, August 14.

Due to the high level of public interest in the application, the committee will again be using the larger Spadesbourne Suite of the Council House, Burcot Lane, for the meeting, which starts at 6pm.

Planners also voted to defer at the June meeting so that Worcestershire Highways could further investigate highways solutions.

But campaigners have been dealt a blow as officers have again recommended the application be approved as Worcestershire Highways has stated it has not changed its view on the application, and because the Western relief road was not being passed by county councillors.

The agenda for the meeting, and officers report on the application, can be viewed on the council's website at bromsgrove.gov.uk.