CONCERNED residents have triumphed in the first stage of their battle against plans to build 43 flats - and are ready for round two.

Proposals to demolish two houses and create the apartments in Sutton Park Road, Kidderminster, hit a brick wall when Wyre Forest District Council's planning (development control) committee members voted against them on Tuesday night.

And despite being "elated" with the result, Sutton Park Road resident Bob Vickers said he and other neighbours feared David Wilson Homes's next proposal.

He said opposition to the one and two-bedroom flats at the junction with Bewdley Hill had galvanised and praised councillors' rejection of the plans.

The district council received 88 letters of opposition and the meeting was attended by residents from Lea Bank Avenue, Crestwood Avenue, Ludgate Avenue and Sutton Park Road, who applauded spokesman John Nicholls. Mr Nicholls, who has lived in Ludgate Avenue for 32 years, raised three issues - the effect the three storey block of flats would have on residents' privacy; damage caused to the environment and water table by removing mature trees; and the worsening of traffic problems.

He said: "I believe it is not only ill conceived but has the potential to destroy beautiful parts of Kidderminster."

Motioning a refusal, Councillor Anthony Greenfield added: "I think the development is completely over-developed for that particular site."

Councillor Fran Oborski went on: "This is horrendous - the effects on the neighbours are really unacceptable.

"I think there is no doubt that the developer will come back with more proposals but this is ridiculous and must be refused."

The Highway Authority also recommended refusal.