PLANS to build 24 homes on the site of the former Ipsley First School were due to be delegated for approval last night.

The scheme involves building detached and terraced houses with roads, footpaths and sewers on the land at Oakenshaw, together with an area of open space served by an access off Oakenshaw Road.

The David Wilson Homes development includes 18 four-bedroomed detached houses of three different designs, one three-bedroomed detached and five three-bedroomed terraced houses.

A Redditch Council spokesman said the scheme would be confined to the built-up area of the school and exclude the large area of open space to the south of the site.

The spokesman added: "The site comprises the developed part of the school, which the county council has declared surplus to requirements as part of the Redditch Review.

"The proposal involves the development of a brown field site within a primarily residential area and is, therefore, considered to be acceptable in principle."

The spokesman said there was no obligation to include affordable housing in the scheme because the number of houses was less than 25, as outlined in the council's Supplementary Planning Guidance on the provision of affordable housing.

A report to the planners stated: "It could be argued the number of dwellings was deliberately pitched at 24 to avoid providing affordable housing but, on behalf of the applicant, it is argued the number is appropriate for this site."

The application was due to be delegated to the development control manager for approval, in consultation with the chair.

Approval is subject to conditions and that the scheme includes adequate pedestrian links with footpaths and satisfactory arrangements being made for the future maintenance of open space.