LAND which was due to become home to Kidderminster's ill-fated incinerator is to be redeveloped for employment to help regenerate the area.

And the possibility of building a new road and sports stadium at the former British Sugar factory site in Stourport Road will also be looked at as part of its long-term development.

The factory closed last year and was set to make way for the giant £40 million burner before the plan was finally defeated last summer following a four-year battle by protesters.

Following last-minute discussions the firm has reached an agreement with Wyre Forest District Council over the future of the land.

British Sugar had wanted it allocated for retail, commercial leisure and housing under the Local Plan, which sets out the pattern of district development over the next decade.

It had lodged an objection which was due to be heard by Government inspector Stephen Pratt at the Local Plan inquiry, which ended last month.

However, talks immediately before the inquiry showdown saw British Sugar and the council agree the land should be used for employment - providing the allocation for development was increased from six hectares to 12.

Council forward planning manager Noel Holdstock said the firm's argument had proved there was "little prospect" of regenerating the site unless the land was released for development.

Doing so would mean 60 acres of district land set aside for employment - 15 hectares more than the identified need.

"However, this provision is justified on the basis of ensuring the provision of a portfolio of sites and securing the regeneration of a major brownfield site within the district," added Mr Holdstock.

Development land will be released on a "phased basis", although existing playing fields will be kept.

And the possibility of building a link road from the Stourport Road to the Worcester Road or the Chester Road roundabout will be looked at, as will setting up a park and ride scheme on the site.

British Sugar will now work with the district and county councils and Advantage West Midlands to produce a development brief for the site, while its suitability to house a sports stadium will be considered.