YET another U-turn in the long-running saga over Bromsgrove's Oakalls estate has seen plans to build 58 houses turned down.

The council's planning committee yet again refused the application from Gallagher Estates Limited to build further housing on the estate, just a month after agreeing to reassess the proposals when the developers threatened the council with costly High Court action.

Gallagher had initially planned to create a self-contained rural village, with space allocated for shops and other facilities.

But, they maintained that they marketed the site without success, and instead wanted to use the site for further housing - a move opposed by the committee. It appeared that the committee had aimed to seek a compromise with Gallagher over the application, and fend off any legal action.

But at Bromsgrove District Council's planning meeting on Monday the application was refused, although around seven councillors refrained from voting on the decision.

However, Councillor Caroline Spencer (Con-Slideslow) still believes there is a compromise in the offing.

"There has to be a bit of give and take from Gallagher," she said.

"I still believe the best thing would be for Gallagher to come and meet members of the planning committee."

At the time of going to press the Advertiser/Messenger had made several attempts to contact Gallagher Estates, but nobody was available to comment.