A MOVE to ensure plans for all new houses to include a space to store wheelie bins has sparked a mixed response in Worcester.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles said he would be issuing new planning guidance to local authorities that any new developments must include space to store wheelie bins which he said were becoming a blot on the landscape.

However, a spokesman for Worcester City Council told your Worcester News that the council already requires developers to include provision for bin storage in order for a planning application to be permitted.

Councillor Geoff Williams, the council’s cabinet member for economic prosperity, said: “We’ve been conscious of this for some time and it’s something we always look at very carefully when considering any planning application.”

Homes in Worcester currently have two wheelie bins – one for waste and one for recycling – but many residents who live in older buildings are forced to leave the bins on the road because they have nowhere to store them.

Worcester News readers joined in the debate on Facebook where Mandy Morris said: “They are a blot on the landscape and while I have sympathy with people in old terraced properties who have no choice but to always leave their bins at the front of the property, there are other people – for example on St Peter’s – who are just too lazy to move their bins to a more discreet position or to the rear of their property.

“So while it might sound like a relatively good idea proposed by Eric Pickles, you cannot change certain people’s personalities or attitudes.”

Eldin Rammell said: “It makes sense to me. It would also be a good idea for new developments to have GP surgeries, good schools, affordable housing, community centres and well-insulated, well-designed living spaces. Any chance of these?”

Meanwhile, Josie Haddy said: “Great idea, my black bin has to be kept out the front as my green bin takes up too much of my garden as it is.

“During warmer weather it’s vile. The bin is swarming with flies and the stink – well, nappies and rotting food isn’t nice, especially when the stink seeps into the house.”

Although Mr Pickles said the new guidance would help avoid bins dominating residential streets, the idea was criticised by shadow communities secretary Hilary Benn, who called it obvious.

For more information on bin arrangements in your area, visit worcester.gov.uk