PLANS to build 14 apartments on land described as a “playground for horses” have been refused.

The one, two and three bedroom flats would have "stuck out like a sore thumb" on vacant green land on the corner of Thorns Road and Caledonia according to Dudley planners.

Members of the council's Development Control Committee felt the design was out of keeping with the surrounding area, with Councillor Keiron Casey going as far to say: "I don't think it looks visually impressive at all."

Highways concerns weighed heavily on Councillor David Vickers' mind as he believed the development would cause a blind spot for motorists turning left into Caledonia as they came from Lye.

Cllr Vickers also felt the proposed 25 car parking spaces were not enough, adding: "There is also a nowhere for visitors to park, there is not enough spaces for them."

However Councillor Colin Elcock took a different view, adding: "That land is currently a playground for horses and there have been a lot of problems down there for years and it is probably vermin infested.

"I don't see it causing a blind spot coming from Lye, it is not obstructive at all.

"I think this would be a great visual improvement to current derelict land. I think it is quite a good operation to put low cost accommodation on a real eyesore. I'm pleased to see that the piece of land is being developed."

Committee chairman Councillor Qadar Zada, said: "I do think the site requires redevelopment, I don't think there is a great deal of debate about that but I think this development would stick out like a sore thumb.

"I know we are short of houses but we are not desperate and this would give me the feel that we were that desperate and prepared to put anything on any site and I don't want to pay a high price for low cost accommodation."

The committee refused the application, due to highways concerns, inadequate parking provision and a design that was not in keeping with existing properties.