OVER-CROWDED schools in Bromsgrove have missed out on contributions of up to £1m from developers of new housing, which could have funded extra places for pupils.

Local authorities are entitled to demand payments for essential services such as schools whenever a new housing development is given planning permission, to cope with the extra demand.

But despite large developments at the Oakalls estate off Redditch Road, at Barnsley Hall and elsewhere, not a penny of their payments has been spent on improving education in the town.

Hundreds of Bromsgrove pupils are now set to be taught in temporary classrooms - each costing about £40,000 - because schools do not have room for the increase in pupil numbers next term.

Worcestershire County Council's head of education policy Colin Weeden said they would expect to receive enough money to build six new classrooms over five years - at least £500,000 and perhaps as much as £1m.

Money from developers was paid to Bromsgrove District Council, but because the local plan - which sets out the guidelines for planning permission - did not specify education, they allocated it to other things, Mr Weeden said.

A new local plan due to come into force soon is likely to require developers to contribute sums of money based on the population increase, allowing the county council to plan for more pupils.

Executive leader of the district council Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said he had no comment to make about payments from developers in the past.

He said: "I don't want to start opening up old wounds. The problems have been resolved."

The district council had received money from developers of the Oakalls and Barnsley Hall but it was intended for social housing, he said.