PLANNING chiefs have recommended that permission for the development of two blocks of flats in Birchfield Road be refused.

The plans would have seen the blocks built in front of the 'Brambles', the old Birches Residential Home.

Officers consider the development of the site acceptable in principle but 'concerns remain as to the details of the form and position of the proposed apartment blocks and the provision of suitable amenity space'.

But it looked like plans to demolish the old Southlands Nursing Home up the road and build five detached houses could get the go-ahead.

The home has been vacant for some time but nearby residents feel the house could be an 'over-development' of the site.

They also complained about traffic issues and disturbance.

Councillors were due to make the final decision last night.