A MULTI-MILLION pound plan to regenerate Stourport is one step nearer after councillors decided it should form part of the local plan.

The Severn Road and Lichfield Basin redevelopment scheme, which is designed to bring new housing, business and employment to the town, has been approved for inclusion in the Wyre Forest District Local Plan for the 10-year period up to 2011.

Members of Wyre Forest District Council's overview and scrutiny committee (environment and development) unanimously agreed the proposals, which will now go forward to full council, at Monday's meeting.

The Severn Road development brief sets out possible uses for the Carpets of Worth and the former Larch Lap sites, the Lichfield Basin development in partnership with British Waterways and a complete economic strategy for the town.

The council has also proposed a new food store near Severn Road and believes an area of land between the site and new housing should be allocated to create business and employment opportunities.

Other ideas include the creation of a nature corridor off the River Stour, an improved pedestrian environment in Mitton Street and Lichfield Street and a plan to reopen the third Lichfield basin - currently hidden under the Larch Lap site - to provide development opportunities.

However, Stourport Civic Society has asked for only a small food store to be built because it fears a heavy traffic increase the town will not cope with. The views of Stourport Town Council are also awaited ahead of next month's full council meeting.