STRATFORD district councillors have turned down a planning application to build more houses in Bidford.

Members of the west area planning committee have thrown out the application by K Darling following objections from Bidford councillors and residents.

Mr K Darling applied to the Stratford District Council to demolish the bungalow at Fraser House, 69a High Street, Bidford, and to erect two houses and six flats with a car park for 12 spaces.

The application has caused controversy among residents and councillors for some time with concerns over the amount of traffic, the environment and more construction work taking place in the village.

Flood concerns were also raised.

Ward member Cllr Kym James said: "The parish council are very pleased with the decision that has been made by the district council.

Three ward members, parish council and county council all felt the intensification of the site was too much for the conservation area and the building was too high.

"We also felt that it would be positioned in a very prominent place near the riverbank.

"It also poses a threat to the flood plan with all the high surfaces proposed which would be a serious consequence in light of a flood.

"The ward members were all very pleased that the committee came to the conclusion and refused it."s