A DECISION is due next week on a controversial planning application for a new Hagley housing estate.

Bromsgrove District Council's planning committee will give their verdict on a proposal by Cala Homes for a 175-property estate on Kidderminster Road, currently owned by the Hagley Hall estate.

Developers say the scheme would bring significant benefits to Hagley and have described it as essential in helping to meet local housing need.

Hagley Parish Council chairman Steve Colella disagrees, saying the council had been sent 1,400 letters of objection and a 4,000 name petition against the plan.

Cllr Colella: “This is a public meeting, and I would encourage as many residents as possible to attend."

The council has set a minimum period of 30 minutes for the application to be determined, which includes an extension of the time period for all interested parties to have their say.

Council officers are recommending approval of the plan, the meeting will get under way at 6pm on Monday January 7.