IT looks as if plans for a large residential development at the heart of Studley are heading for rejection by Stratford District Council's planning committee.

The plans for 19 flats and five houses on the site of the former Co-op Pioneer store, next to Barley Mow island in Alcester Road, have been recommended for refusal by planning officers tomorrow.

It is the Co-op itself which has submitted the plans and who held a public consultation session last year.

But if the homes are rejected by councillors, it will be a blessing for Studley Parish Council, who opposed the development.

It felt the location was inappropriate because of air and noise pollution from traffic but also criticised the "bulk" of the development, particularly the three-storey aspect of some of the buildings.

It was also concerned about the juxtaposition of the development's modern design next to the old Grade II listed building on the corner of High Street and Alcester Road.

In a report for councillors, planning officers said the apartment building would be out of keeping with the surrounding area and adversely affect the view from Alcester Road because of its height and bulk.

Officers are also concerned there would be a shortage of car parking for residents and those unable to park on site could exacerbate congestion in that area.

Parish council chairman Bill McCarthy said: "If it is rejected it will be good news for us because we don't want something that overbearing in the centre of the village."