BROADWAY councillors would like to see high-tech industry on part of the Gordon Russell site, rather than a large amount of houses.

They want Silicon Valley type industry attracting high earners to settle in the village to boost the local economy.

At a meeting last Thursday, councillors said that although they approved most of the development guide produced by Wychavon District Council for the site, they would prefer a large part of the five acres to be made over to employment.

Chairman Peter Riley said: "The Gordon Russell site is industrial. We don't want people to think we want all houses there. A Silicon Valley sort of place would be good for the village."

The Gordon Russell development brief was passed by Wychavon District councillors last Thursday.

The most contentious part, an open space earmarked for the back of the site past Russell Cottages, was taken out of the brief after public consultation.

People living in houses which would back onto the area, objected over any possible noise nuisance and security problems.

Planning officers amended the plans to provide for a smaller toddler play area and informal open spaces integrated into the housing layout, with a sum for use towards the improvement of recreation facilities elsewhere in the village.

Now the brief, which includes provision for a new tourist information centre, a heritage museum, a doctors' surgery, workshops and about 60 houses, has been formally adopted as a planning guide.

This means that any future developer must adhere to the general principles of the brief in order to get the plans passed without appeal.