A MOVE is being pushed through to allow Wyre Forest town councillors to vote on district planning decisions for the first time.

Wyre Forest District Council planning chiefs are adopting an idea underway in other areas of Britain which would allow town councillors to attend the planning (development control) meeting to voice opinions and vote on applications - something which they only discuss at town level at present.

The venture, which would include town and parish councils across the district, was unanimously supported by Stourport town councillors at a meeting earlier this month.

Now the district council is awaiting responses from other authorities, including Bewdley Town Council, before ironing out the details.

A second proposal also under consideration is to allow town councils to make decisions on minor planning and development control applications before matters reach district level, and possibly attend site visits.

Stourport Town Council has agreed to act as a pilot for both suggestions and is awaiting a decision, which is likely to be made in November.

Stourport mayor and town council chairman Reg Knott said: "This is an initiative I welcome very much as so often town council members have a greater inside knowledge of some issues concerning the area.

"It would appear to be a step in the right direction for everyone and I look forward to hearing when this will be introduced."

Wyre Forest District Council development control manager Mike Parker said: "The district council's policy advisory group will consider this before a meeting of our environment and scrutiny board on October 2.

"If the move goes ahead, one member from the various councils would be allowed to voice their respective authority's collective opinion, and individual planning applicants and objectors may also get the opportunity to speak.

"We are always looking at ways to improve things and this idea could prove very beneficial."