PARISH councillors in Lickey blasted Bromsgrove District Council as "a bunch of amateurs" after a six-month-old plan to repair a former landfill site was stalled at the last minute.

District councillors deferred the application to make a site visit to the Marlbrook tip, in Alvechurch Highway, after two councillors raised concerns.

Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council hoped work on repairing drainage at the site could begin soon, after officers recommended the application be approved.

Liberty Construction boss Eddy Mcintosh, who owns the site, has applied to repair a drain culvert and install balancing ponds.

He ultimately intends to turn the site into a nine-hole golf course.

During Monday night's meeting, at Lickey Parish Hall, in Old Birmingham Road, parish council vice-chairman John Quine said: "I think the district council is acting like a bunch of amateurs on this."

He said it was absurd to turn down a private offer to pay for work which was necessary anyway.

Chairman Ron Brown said it was "greatly disappointing" the council was delaying important work.

He said: "Eddy Mcintosh has conformed to every requirement. The officer who prepared the case recommended its approval.

"To me it's an absolute tragedy. That tip is potentially dangerous."

District council cabinet member for planning and highways Cllr Jean Luck (Con, Alvechurch) said the officers were professionals but not detectives, and members wanted to make sure the plans did not disguise another landfill site.

She added: "I am surprised the parish council is criticising us for making absolutely, doubly sure this decision is the right one."