PLANNERS have approved a near-100 home development on Kidderminster green field despite strong opposition from residents.

Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee said it had no choice but to grant Miller Homes’ proposal for 91 houses on the land at the junction of Hurcott Lane and Stourbridge Road.

The properties will include 27 affordable homes, most of which will be for rent.

Members said the scheme was in line with development policy and refusal would mostly likely result in an appeal and be lost, which would hit them in the pocket.

A report to committee also said that the recent challenge over Gladman Development’s application to build 195 houses on Bewdley fields had highlighted an under-delivery of housing across the district.

Objections from residents centred on increased pressure on traffic, local schools and services, the high density of the proposed properties and the loss of countryside.

They also pointed out a previous outline planning application by Miller Homes for the site had been rejected. This had been due to go to appeal.

Nearby resident Kenneth Wright, who spoke at the meeting, told the Shuttle that he felt the application was being rushed through as a quick fix because of the housing shortfall identified in the Gladman appeal.

He added he wasn’t against development in the area but was concerned issues identified needed to be addressed.

But planning officers said the scheme would not cause significant harm to the area and would address housing need while highways also raised no objections.

The application was approved unanimously subject to Miller Homes spending just under £500,000 to cover costs of extra school places, a new bus stop, extended speed limit and contributions to the creation of a public open space within the estate.