PLANS to construct new office blocks in Belbroughton have been put on hold after the new buildings were labelled a "glass monstrosity."

Members of Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee asked the architect to have another go at the designs because they were not happy with them.

It was thought they did not fit in with the traditional look of the village.

Councillor John Ruck (Con-Marlbrook) said: "I don't think any of us are happy with the designs. It looks like a glass monstrosity. The new buildings should fit in with the other buildings on the site."

The application, at the historic Nash Works in Nash Lane, includes plans to demolish some of the existing commercial and industrial units, while retaining others and building new offices.

Janice Boswell (Con-Furlongs) is the local councillor for the area. She said: "The site has been there for a long time and so any development needs to be given careful consideration."

There were also concerns raised about the extra traffic the new development may cause.

"There are traffic concerns for going in and out of the village," added Cllr Boswell. However, the problem was not echoed by the Highways Partnership.

Cllr Brian Fuller (Con-Hillside) said: "I don't think we have a problem with the development but just the look of it. Let's ask the architect to have another go."

Paula Havard, from Malvern Architects, said: "We are happy to have another look at the designs. We do not want to put something in Belbroughton the councillors aren't happy with."

christopher.flavell@midlands.

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