A LONG-AWAITED document designed to preserve the rural character of the ever-developing parish of Lickey and Blackwell is nearing completion.

The Village Design Statement (VDS), which has been in the pipeline for two-years, is in its final stages and should be completed and printed by the end of May.

Its object is to describe the distinctive character of the area and its surrounding countryside.

The book is expected to be 20-pages long and contains between 20 and 30 photographs of distinctive landscapes and aspects of buildings which residents would like to see continued in the future.

It is hoped the book will become the basis of a document which could be used to assist Bromsgrove District Council's planners when they are considering upcoming developments in the parish.

Co-ordinator Carol Beavis, a member of Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council, said: "The idea is to use photographs to explain the character of the parish."

The project has cost about £3,000 which has been provided by the Lickey Hills Society, the parish council and Worcestershire County Council.

It contains four main sections covering landscapes, settlements, buildings and trees and hedges.

Mrs Beavis added: "Each section is followed by another saying what we would like planners and developers to do to preserve the character.

"I am very pleased it is nearing completion."

The area's distinctive features include the Lickey Hills, Lickey war memorial, Lord Austin's former home and burial place, the Lickey incline and old Roman Roads.

Once completed, copies of the booklet, which is currently with Bromsgrove District Council for approval, will be available at the planning department and in libraries.