plans for a major flats development in Bengeworth have been given a cautious welcome.

Cotswold-based Goalside Developments has applied for planning permission to build 57 flats and 100 parking spaces off Lime Street. Despite concerns at Evesham Town Council, councillors agreed this week to back the scheme in principle.

Councillor Phil Nosworthy told Monday's town council meeting: "There is a shambolic mess of light industrial development in this area. It is a blot on the landscape and totally inappropriate for a residential area."

He urged fellow members to support the scheme, but said he thought Goalside should provide off-street parking, a better drainage system and better access arrangements. The only road into the development is planned to be off Lime Street.

Other members agreed and coun Andy Dyke said: "The area at the moment and that lane is a dumping ground for cars, washing machines and anything else. It is an area of high vandalism and there have been a significant amount of cars set on fire there."

He too backed the principle of development and councillor Jim Griffiths said he thought the two-bedroom private flats would help to create a better housing mix in the area, where several schemes for housing association flats have been approved in recent years.

The development will also take up land in some of the gardens in Northwick Road and King's Road. Goalside Developments says some residents have agreed to sell their land and it is still in negotiations with others.