RESIDENTS turned out in force to see a controversial application for housing in Ipsley rejected by Redditch Council.

Last week, the Advertiser reported residents' concerns the plans for homes off Ipsley Church Lane would severely overlook them.

On Tuesday, councillors sitting on the planning committee agreed with them unanimously and refused the application by Miller Homes.

The plans would have seen 17 houses, two "coach houses" and 21 apartments if they had got the green light.

But it is unlikely to be the end of the battle for the neighbours.

Whatever happens the land, which is currently a car park, will eventually be developed after the planning inspectorate overturned a previous council refusal for housing development last year.

The council had argued the land should be kept for employment use.

Meanwhile, plans for a large housing development on the site of Tanners Croft Garage in Evesham Road have been given the go-ahead.

The move will see 39 homes built on the Crabbs Cross site, although planning officers are still negotiating with the developers to reduce the impact on existing homes of one of the plots.

Some councillors on the planning committee were concerned the development could increase traffic in the area, especially with other developments like the nearby Jaffar Motors site.

Councillor Mike Chalk pointed out that the road was 'obviously dangerous' since a speed camera had just been installed there.

But Councillor Pat Wilson said she could not foresee any more cars driving into and out of the new development compared to the petrol station which was on the site.