A PIONEERING move designed to allow Wyre Forest town councillors to vote on planning decisions is being treated with scepticism.

Stourport Town Council initially welcomed the option and agreed to act as a pilot for the venture, but is unwilling to commit itself any further until it receives greater information about the scheme.

Wyre Forest District Council planning chiefs are adopting an idea underway in other areas of Britain which would allow town councillors to attend the planning (development control) meeting to voice opinions and vote on applications - something which they only discuss at town level at present.

The change, which would include town and parish councils across the district, could also allow town councils to make decisions on minor planning matters before they reach district level.

However, at Tuesday's Stourport Town Council meeting, members decided to "give no further encouragement to the idea" until a district planning officer can explain the proposed changes in greater detail.

Stourport mayor Reg Knott said: "I support the suggestions but will do no more until a district council planning officer comes to speak to us. I do have reservations until we reach that next stage.

"I have to consider extra responsibilities for the town council such as costs of possible site visits."

Councillor Josie Shaw said: "I agree with the idea in principle but how much of a difference will it make to the present system?

"The change would really only give us lip service at district development control meetings, we already have the opportunity to put our views forward in writing."

Wyre Forest District Council development control manager Mike Parker said a representative from the department would visit a Stourport Town Council meeting in the "very near future".

He added the district council also needed to await a more detailed response from Bewdley Town Council before deciding when the changes may be implemented.