A DEVELOPMENT of 52 new homes in Astwood Bank was set for approval by Redditch Council's planning committee last night, despite residents' objections.

The plan, submitted by developers Kings Oak South Midlands, is to build houses and apartments on land off Evesham Road. The properties will vary in size from one to five bedrooms with the area of green belt within the site being used as a public open space. Planning officers have recommended the application be approved, despite six letters of objection from residents.

Concerns raised include visual impact of high rise apartments, which residents claim would reduce privacy for neighbouring properties. Villagers have suggested the development would be an "unacceptable visual intrusion from Astwood Bank and from Sambourne Lane and Jill Lane".

They are also concerned about the increased noise, traffic and pollution as a result of the development. Members already considered the application in April and recommended it be approved as long as developers agreed to certain conditions including provision for social housing and public open space. However, minor amendments to the plan had been made so it was returned to committee for members' comments. The application was due to be discussed on August 16 but was deferred after the meeting ran over time.

Council head of planning John Staniland said: "It was one of seven applications we have had to defer because we decided to close the meeting at 11.45pm after more than four hours of discussions on other applications."