FRESH concerns about the notorious A449 have been raised during a planning meeting to decide whether to allow a nearby barn in Ombersley to be used for light industrial purposes.

Thirteen people have died on the stretch of road in the last nine years. The barn, adjacent to Hawford Grange, Chatley Lane, is near to where some of the crashes have taken place.

It is currently being used as a builder's garage and store but owners want to secure permission to change its use - although it is not yet known what it will become. Wychavon district councillor Jean Dowty said: "The Highways Agency should be consulted bearing in mind all the accidents in that area."

She was concerned the plan could lead to more traffic in the area.

However, planning officer Mike Hurst said it was not the type of application that needed to go to the agency.

Officers also think anything that falls into the category of light industrial use will not generate a large amount of traffic.

Councillors voted to allow the change of use.