Flood risk scuppers plans for 27 homes

Plans to expand a Kidderminster housing development have been thrown out after it was revealed the town came close to a flooding disaster last year.

Proposals by A & J Mucklow & Co Ltd to build an extra 27 homes with roads and car parking on part of a floodplain off Puxton Drive were last night rejected by planners.

Wyre Forest District Council leader councillor John Campion warned that the scheme could lead to problems with measures designed to save the town from rising water levels.

The decision followed claims by Councillor Campion that the town had last year been only "inches away from a multi-million pound disaster which could have claimed lives".

Councillor Fran Oborski said the land was zoned for housing and that the developer might appeal against the decision.

The developers already have permission to build 46 houses on land off Puxton Drive but the company wanted to add another 27 homes.

Councillor Campion warned: "During last year's torrential downpours a flood bund preventing water reaching Kidderminster had been within inches of causing a multi-million pound disaster which could have claimed lives."