FOR the first time ever, out-of-town greenfield sites are safe from development because Redditch has already met its housing targets up until 2011.

The news follows the release of the draft Local Plan detailing future areas for development up to that year.

Redditch Council is now urging residents to examine the plan while it is out for consultation.

Planning officer John Staniland said: "We will still be granting planning permission for brownfield sites and greenfield sites but this means we do not have to release major greenfield sites outside the town for future housing developments. We have met the housing needs in Redditch."

Mr Staniland said a major development of up to 250 homes on the former gas works in Enfield was one of the reasons the housing needs had been met.

Planning permission for the houses was originally refused by the council but the applicants had the decision overturned on appeal to the Secretary of State.

New land within the urban area of Redditch still has to be allocated for about 450 new dwellings and the plan has identified a number of sites, including the fields at the back of the Alexandra Hospital.

The draft Local Plan also sets out various other policies on improving health and safety in communities, the environment, culture and recreation and the town's economy.

Copies of the plan can be viewed at the town hall in Alcester Street, neighbourhood offices, Redditch and Woodrow libraries and the council's website:

www.redditchbc.gov.uk from March 8.

Events to help publicise the plan are being organised.