KIND-HEARTED councillors have given the thumbs up to a family who want to extend their Bewdley home - despite being urged to reject it by planning experts.

They gave the green light to the extension at Burltons Terrace, High Street - a Grade II listed building - after hearing how the family "could not afford to move".

Speaking at a planning (development control) committee meeting at Wyre Forest District Council, Bewdley councillor Stephen Clee said: "They have a young family and this is an opportunity to extend a small dwelling for a family in Bewdley."

The move went against the recommendation of case officer Julia Summerfield who warned the two-storey extension comprising a dining room and bedroom "would have a significant overbearing impact upon the outlook from the ground floor kitchen" to the nearby house and also went against the Local Plan.

The conservation officer had already approved the proposals while "immediate neighbours" supported the plans.