A CONTROVERSIAL application to build hundreds of homes in Whitford has this evening been rejected by Bromsgrove councillors.

The application, from Catesby Estates Ltd and Miller Homes Ltd, was to build 490 homes on land off Whitford Road. It was the third time the proposal had been before Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee, having been deferred twice before over highways concerns.

Officers had recommended the application be approved, but members of the committee again brought up highways issues - saying there would be a severe impact.

This was despite Worcestershire Highways stating it had not changed its view on the application, and there would not be a severe impact.

There were jubilant scenes as councillors unanimously refused the application.

Following the vote, there was a round of applause from those gathered in the public gallery for the leaders of the campaign against the application including chairman of Whitford Vale Voice Roy Dixon and ward councillor Luke Mallett.

 

A full report from tonight's planning committee meeting will be available on the Advertiser's website tomorrow.