DROITWICH people can now have their say on whether they think dozens of new homes should be built on the site of the controversial Worcestershire Hotel.

The first detailed version of Wychavon District Council's Local Plan Review, which has earmarked a number of prominent town centre sites for housing, was published yesterday.

Droitwich residents are now being invited to comment on the plan, which has designated several brownfield sites, including the controversial St Andrew's Road hotel, for development.

Councillors have been campaigning for the imposing black-and-white building to be revamped for much of the 15 years it has been closed.

In 2000, Wychavon's then Labour group leader Councillor Roy Seabourne called for a planning order to be served on the owners, Impney Hotels, ordering them to improve it, but it was thrown out.

Droitwich Land Rover, in Hanbury Road, and the canal basin have also been earmarked as potential sites.

Planning chiefs at the authority must allocate land for around 1,300 homes in the district by 2011 and they believe Droitwich has space for 270.

Along with 80 on the site of the Worcestershire Hotel, it is thought 70 houses could be built on Hanbury Road, 54 canal-side properties erected and a total of 69 houses built on sites in Westwood Road, Stalls Farm Road, Worcester Road and Rose Avenue.

Completion of the Local Plan, which will govern planning decisions in the area up to 2011, is expected in 2004 and currently does not include development on any greenfield land in Droitwich.

Dave Tomaney, Wychavon's planning officer, urged locals to voice their views.

"Comments for the plans are just as important as those against," he said.

Copies of the Local Plan and any comments received are being displayed at the district council's One Stop Shop, in High Street, Droitwich.

To buy a copy or to comment on any of the policies and proposals in the Local Plan, write to: Head of planning Jack Hegarty, Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, WR10 1PT. Envelopes, which should be marked "Local Plan", must be received by Wednesday, August 7.

For more information call 01386 565565.