IT looked as if controversial plans for a new storage warehouse and production unit in Washford would finally get the go-ahead last night - despite neighbours' fears about noise, increased traffic and noxious fumes.

Preliminary permission has already been granted for a warehouse with an additional car park at the former BKL site, in Claybrook Drive.

Redditch Council's planning committee met last night to decide whether full planning permission should be granted to build a two-storey extension and refurbish the existing centre.

In a report for the committee, Mappleborough Green Parish Council said the site had caused "environmental problems" when owned by BKL Fittings.

It added: "We consider this application to be over-development of the site and heavy goods traffic is already a problem on Claybrook Drive."

But the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and Redditch Highways Partnership Unit (HPU) did not object to the plans if certain conditions are imposed.

In the report, officers said the neighbours' concerns related to BKL's use of the site and given another neighbouring storage facility was already in use, it was unlikely noise would increase to detrimental levels

A contribution from the applicant for off-site highways maintenance work was one of the conditions requested by the HPU.

Planning officers recommended councillors approve the plans.