REDDITCH councillors have narrowly voted in favour of hearing public opinions at planning meetings.

The system, which gives members of the public the right to speak at planning meetings, will operate for a six-month trial period from Tuesday, November 21.

There was opposition to the scheme from several councillors at a planning meeting on Tuesday evening. They felt such an issue should have been referred to the next full council meeting, so all Redditch councillors could express their opinions.

At the meeting, Councillor Pat Wilson said: "We are rushing this through like we do with everything these days.

"This is possibly a good step forward but it is a big step forward and it needs to be referred to the full council so everyone gets the right to speak on it."

But Councillor David Cartwright said: "I think this would be a good date to implement the system as there are some controversial issues coming up at the November 21 planning meeting and we can see if it is effective."

Councillor Steve Wheeler said: "Six months trial is a good idea, we can then alter it if there is anything we are not completely happy with."