REGENERATION plans for the Black Country should be closely monitored to ensure there is no knock-on effect on Worcestershire, in particular with it having to accommodate extra housing.

That was the message from Worcestershire County Council's cabinet following a meeting on Thursday regarding the Black Country Study.

The three-year project aims to reverse the trend of people leaving the area, raise income levels, attract and retain people with higher level and protect and enhance the area's environment.

But, in a paper to the council's cabinet, officers set out areas of concern, including that if proposals for increased housing for the area are unable to be met, the shortfall would have to be met outside the region, including in Worcester.

Officers also questioned whether the proposed 51,000 sq metres of additional floorspace at Merry Hill shopping centre in line with that would be excessive in relation to competition with Worcestershire's main shopping centres.

Concerns over insufficient public transport corridors between the various Black Country centres and North Worcestershire were also raised.

Councillor Alwyn Davies, cabinet member for planning, economy and performance said: "Obviously regeneration of the Black Country has been on the cards for a number of years and as a general principle we have to support it, but musn't think it's nothing to do with us.

"If regeneration is to work it has to have proper infrastructure for instance and we have to make sure it's right and doesn't have an outward effect on the county, particularly on the northern end."

Councillors agreed to submit their comments on the study to the relevant government office in advance of a future public examination.