PLANS to build a new housing estate have moved a step closer after a reserved matters application was approved.

In July 2012, Banner Homes was granted planning permission to build 88 new homes on a site in Barnt Green, off Fiery Hill Road. It was approved despite strong opposition from the Barnt Green Residents Association (BGRA).

On Monday, (December 9), Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee considered a reserved matters application as part of the next planning stage.

Ira Curtis, BGRA's chairman, appealed passionately to members at the meeting to reject the application.

She said there was not a housing shortage in the village and appealed to members to take clear action to restore confidence in their role as elected representatives.

"Barnt Green Residents Association is not opposed to development in the village," she said.

"We don't feel we have been listened to by our councillors."

Paul McCann then spoke on behalf of Banner Homes and stressed the application already had outline permission, and the developer had held meetings with the parish council over the designs.

He added there was a good measure of public support for the proposed designs.

Before members discussed the application officers stressed that a number of the objections raised had already been considered at outline stage, so could not be discussed.

This attracted criticism from Barnt Green residents in the audience - some shouting it was undemocratic.

During the discussions, Waseley councillor Colin Wilson said the designs were the best he had ever seen, and blended in with the area.

Hollywood and Majors Green councillor Mark Bullivant praised the developer for handling the issues that had arisen sensitively.

When the vote was taken, the application was passed after a majority voted in favour.