A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 19 homes in Stourport has finally won district backing as a public inquiry into the long-running saga looms.

The scheme for the homes at the junction of Lodge Road and Lion Hill was rejected in May when Wyre Forest District Council decided the access road was too narrow.

However, two weeks later Stourport Town Council agreed to back the proposal after alterations to the plan, and now councillors at Tuesday's district planning (development control) meeting pledged their support to a new application.

Development control chief Jake Berriman said: "The existing road is too narrow for two cars to pass without use of the pavement, has no turning facility and a narrow and awkward junction with Lion Hill.

"However, the new road and revised junction will improve accessibility and provide the turning facility and a safer junction."

Mr Berriman added the plan was a reasonable compromise between developing the land for housing and maintaining a reasonable amenity for neighbours.

Councillor Michael Grinnall said: "If we don't support this application with the new conditions, only the original plan will be considered at the inquiry.

"And considering the Highways Agency is approving the plan, it will almost certainly be approved.

"As usual, we will go to the inquiry in our rowing boat and the developer will arrive with his aircraft carrier to destroy us."

An inspector appointed by Environment, Transport and the Regions Secretary John Prescott will hear the inquiry at Kidderminster Town Hall on Tuesday, August 15 at 10am.