TOWNSFOLK can now have their say on whether they think around 80 new homes should be built on the site of the controversial Worcestershire Hotel which has been closed for more than 15 years.

The first detailed version of Wychavon District Council's Local Plan Review, which has earmarked a number of prominent town centre sites for housing, is set to be published today (Wednesday).

Residents of Droitwich Spa can now have their say on what they think of the plan which has designated several brownfield sites, including the controversial hotel, in St Andrew's Road, Droitwich Land Rover, in Hanbury Road, and the canal basin, for development.

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

Along with the Worcestershire Hotel, it is thought 70 houses could be built on Hanbury Road, 54 canal-side properties could be erected and a total of 69 houses could be 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.

Wychavon's planning policy officer, Dave Tomaney, said: "This is an important stage of the Local Plan process.

"It has to be placed 'on deposit' for residents to have their say.

"Supporting comments are just as important as objections and they will help us to get the Local Plan right for Wychavon."

Copies of the Local Plan and any comments received will be displayed from today, in 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. Mark the envelope 'Local Plan'.

For more information call 01386 565565.

Comments must be received by Wednesday, August 7