RESIDENTS in Kingswinford are said to be furious after Dudley Council recommended a planning application for a new warehouse which towers above their homes.

The 53ft high warehouse structure appeared around the local skyline this week, but some residents say they were not consulted on the development.

However, Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member economic development and planning, said letters were sent out to almost 50 properties and notices put up at the proposed Ham Lane site.

Malcolm Pearson, Hawkeswell Drive resident, said: “I am astounded at the incompetence shown by Dudley Council and its planning officers with regards to this development.

“We have not been consulted and neither have the residents most affected in Keyes Drive.”

Mr Pearson vented his fury at Dudley South MP Mike Wood after the council told him they were satisfied that the building is currently in accordance with plans which were approved back in April.

Mr Wood, who has met with some of the concerned residents, said: “This is a complete and utter mistake by the planning authority.

“How on earth was this building recommended for approval without a full consultation exercise involving residents whose properties this structure now towers over?

“The council claim they sent out almost 50 letters. I do wonder where these letters were sent and to who as most residents I’ve spoken to have not received any notification.

“Having contacted the council it is clear this is their mistake and we look to them to now do what they can, along with the developer, to see what can be done to help those residents most affected by this appalling blunder.”

Tory ward Cllr Natalie Neale said residents “may wish to consult legal advice as to whether to undertake legal action” against the authority.

Cllr Ahmed said even though the council did not receive any objections when the plans were initially announced, they will now visit residents to see what they can do to help.

He said: “We consulted with residents who were affected by the development, which was granted planning approval earlier this year.

“Letters were sent out to almost 50 properties and a notice was put up at the proposed site, in line with national planning guidelines.

“We did not receive any objections from residents, but given that some are now concerned by the development, we will be visiting them to see what can be done to help them.”