A 15-FOOT wall, which supports an embankment next to a Droitwich housing estate, has divided a council and property developer.

An enforcement notice has been served by Wychavon District Council on Swan Hill Homes Ltd and nearby households, which alleges the wood--reinforced wall at the Nine Acre Meadow development in Newland Road, is against planning permission.

While planners say they realise a wall is needed to support the hill, they believe it should be stepped, instead of having a sheer drop, to prevent people falling off and injuring themselves.

"The council has designated the higher ground as an open space recreation area and so would like to see a staggered wall for safety reasons," said Gill Collin, from the planning department.

"It was always agreed there should be some walling in place, but it appears no figures were ever submitted for agreement."

The appeal will be heard before an independent planning inspector on Tuesday, April 15.