A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to build new housing in a Hagley road has been thrown out by Bromsgrove planners.

At Bromsgrove District Council's latest planning meeting, held on Monday (April 20), the scheme was considered that proposed demolishing 19a Haybridge Avenue, and constructing three, four bedroom houses in its place.

Although planning officers had recommended the application was granted, 21 objections had been raised to the scheme.

During the public speaking section, residents opposed to the scheme highlighted issues of a lack of privacy, highways issues, and that the scheme would be out of character will surrounding bungalows.

The applicants spoke and defended the proposal, saying they had consulted with relevant departments throughout the pre application stage, and suggested the scheme would actually enhance the site.

Councillor Chris Scurrell, who had called the application in to be considered, said that although three additional houses could be argued to be small, there had to come a time when enough is enough.

During the councillors debate, every member spoke against the proposal.

Councillor Mark Bullivant said it was "clearly overdevelopment", and said there was a visual impact as it was not in keeping with the surrounding bungalows.

Councillor Caroline Spencer argued there was a complete lack of privacy, while Councillor Roy Clarke said it was wrong for the area.

Councillor Peter Whittaker proposed to reject the scheme for a variety of reasons including it would be overdevelopment, the visual impact, the design, and the cumulative impact.

During the vote the application was rejected unanimously.

• Also at the meeting, members considered an application related to the Bromsgrove Museum building.

Last year the Advertiser reported on ambitious plans to transform the building that housed the museum until the council closed it seven years ago.

At the March planning meeting an application was approved for the provision of a glazed entrance lobby, alterations to the front elevation to form a glazed door curtain and a new first floor extension to create an area for education, and an area celebrating the Bromsgrove Guild.

During the debate at the latest meeting Cllr Whittaker said that as the scheme had been deemed to be acceptable at the March meeting of the authority, he could see no reason it could be turned down at this meeting.

The vote was held and the application was granted by a majority, nine votes to one.