CONTROVERSIAL plans to build six houses and 30 apartments near the town centre have been given the green light by council chiefs -- despite objections from residents.

The development at 69 Stratford Road, means the demolition of existing buildings and the clearing of a fruit orchard in order to make room for the apartments and houses.

Nearby residents wrote to Bromsgrove District Council objecting to the development ahead of the planning committee on Monday, but the plans were still given the go-ahead.

Objections included increased traffic on a hazardous bend causing safety fears, noise, loss of privacy and amenity, drainage and depletion of wildlife.

Walsall-based Kendrick Homes are to build on the site which includes a large detached house with another building in the grounds, a swimming pool and tennis courts in the garden, a fruit orchard and several sheds.

Speaking to the Advertiser/ Messenger, concerned resident, Linda Sherlock said she was worried about traffic.

She added: "Stratford Road has enough traffic at the moment, without this development adding to it.

"I understand people have got to live somewhere but the developers and council have got to make sure proper safety precautions and traffic provisions are put in place."

Resident Jean Klee's concerns lie with the drains.

She said: "With the new development the situation with flash flooding will be made worse. I just hope there is adequate drains to deal with it."

Kendrick Homes' general manager, Malcolm Anson, said: "As far as I am aware the trees which hide the property from the road will stay, so once the development is complete people will hardly know it's there."