A KIDDERMINSTER company at the centre of a row over pallet storage will appeal after retrospective planning permission for its business on a new site was refused.

The firm, PRS Ltd, based at Clensmore Business Park, Clensmore Street, which moved from Wilden Lane in November, wanted approval for a change in use from industrial to pallet storage, manufacturing and distribution business.

It was also seeking permission from Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee to store the wooden pallets on part of a car park.

A 51-signature petition and 10 letters of objection had been received before the meeting on Tuesday last week, and residents living near the business had complained the pallets were an eyesore.

They were also worried about noise, increased traffic to the site and health and safety issues.

Speaking at the meeting, co-director, Mike Forester, said the application was vital for the company, which employs local people.

Councillor Fran Oborski, who was against the proposal, said she believed the pallets would present "a real temptation" for young people, who might decide to climb them and felt security measures needed to be tighter.

Councillor Howard Martin said he was sympathetic to the applicants but felt that part of town would not be able to cope with the increased traffic.

Speaking after the meeting, PRS co-director, Brian Worton, said he was disappointed permission was refused and the company, which makes and distributes pallets, would appeal.

He added if it was unsuccessful, the company, which stores around 70,000 pallets, would have to consider relocating to somewhere else in the district.

Kevan Ashmore, of Shelley Avenue, who had objected to the proposal, said he was "over the moon" the application had been turned down, adding: "Everybody I have spoken to is delighted with the decision.

"It is what we have been campaigning for for a long time."