RESIDENTS and district councillors have reacted angrily after Gallaghers Estates said it is to appeal against a decision not to allow a further 58 houses to be built on Bromsgrove's Oakalls estate.

The long-running saga erupted after the promise of a rural village, which would include facilities such as shops and a local community centre, was shattered.

Gallaghers maintained that they had marketed the site to businesses without success, and wanted to use the land for further housing instead.

The developer threatened to seek a judicial review over the refusal of the application, and it was sent back to the planning committee.

But a further U-turn by planning chiefs saw the application refused yet again.

Gallaghers has now lodged its appeal to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The planning inspectorate has confirmed that a public inquiry will take place at a date yet to be confirmed.

Councillor Gordon Selway (Lib Dem-Slideslow) said: "The very high number of dwellings per hectare and the fact that planning permission was for a development including a 'local centre' as well as housing means the Oakalls will be more of an urban housing estate rather than the 'rural village' which Gallaghers advertised."

Gallaghers spokesman David Keyse confirmed an appeal had been lodged and the company was still waiting for a date to be set.

Residents of the Oakalls who wish to submit representations or comments are asked to do so by August 1.

Three copies of representations are to be sent to Shelley Hicks, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/18B, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN - quoting reference number APP/P1805/A/04/2104434/NWF.