BROMSGROVE District Council is extending the maximum capacity of its chamber for the crucial meeting on the Whitford Road development.

The application for outline planning proposal for 490 homes on the land has gained significant interest with the Whitford Vale Voice group opposing them.

Due to an expected large number of people attending on Monday night, (April 28), the authority has taken steps to ensure the legal capacity of the room is met.

With temporary internal walls removed the room seats 160 people, 125 in the public gallery.

The meeting of the council's planning committee starts at 6pm, with the Whitford Road application being heard first.

Consideration of the rest of the items of the agenda will not begin until, at the earliest, 7.30pm to give time for the Whitford application to be discussed.

The authority stress seats will only be available on a first-come-first-served basis, and if people turn up after the legally allowed number of people is reached, they will not be allowed in.

A spokesman for the authority added: " Members of the public are asked to understand the restrictions that are placed on the council but be assured officers are doing all they can to maximise the chance to hear the Committee’s discussion."