PLANS to build 10 homes on the site of a Redditch school for youngsters with emotional and behavioural problems have been delegated for approval.

The Advertiser reported in December a proposal to relocate Redgrove Lower school to a new site in Matchborough had been approved and the move was likely to be completed by summer 2004.

Ofsted inspectors had said the Prophets Close school, which educates pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties from Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest, could improve if pupils were taught in purpose-built accommodation.

The plans to build the single-storey homes, submitted by West Mercia Housing, were delegated to Redditch Council's development control manager for approval at a planning committee meeting last week, due to outstanding comments and information being received and subject to conditions.

In a report, a Redditch Council spokesman said there were concerns over access via Prophets Close and officers had asked West Mercia Housing and the Highways Partnership Unit to look again at the justification for the development and any improvements that could be made.

The spokesman added details including drainage and landscaping and management of the scheme had also been sought from the applicant.

Redditch Council received six letters of objection from residents whose concerns included inadequate parking, drainage, loss of light, privacy, that Prophets Close was too narrow and the development would result in traffic and safety problems.