A DECISION to dump more homes on the doorsteps of Quarry Bank residents has raised concerns over safety and parking issues.

Homeowners in Brandon Way are disgusted after a planning inspector over turned Dudley Council's rejection for nine homes to be squeezed on to a single plot in their cul-de-sac.

Residents fear the new project will add to existing parking problems and further traffic congestion on the already busy Thorns Road.

Mr Ray Attwood, aged 71 who has lived in Brandon Way for over 45 years, said: "It is unsuitable as there are not enough parking spaces in this small cul-de-sac.

"With extra properties there could be another 18 vehicles trying to park and they can't park on Thorns Road.

"I just don't know where they are going to put them.

"We are worried about emergency vehicles not being able to get through."

The decision was overturned by the Bristol based National Planning Inspectorate after an appeal was lodged by Kidderminster developers Rawlings Smith McCarron.

Mr Attwood added: "It is disgusting, we want to know how one person from Bristol can over turn the Dudley Council decision?

"This is ridiculous, what is the use of having councillors and making decisions if they can be overturned."

Cllr Geoffrey Southall, who sits on Dudley Development Control Committee sympathises with the residents, he said: "It obviously pays the applicant to appeal to the planning inspectorate because they know there is a fair chance the appeal will be upheld.

"I have been on the committee for a number of years and I have constantly complained about this.

"We are locally elected representatives who sit and take into account local issues and we have to find a planning reason before we turn it down.

Cllr Southall added: "It is very frustrating our decision can be overturned.

"I feel sorry for the residents as the inspectorate dumps something on their doorstep that the committee felt shouldn't be there."

Planning Inspector, Elizabeth Hill, stated in her report car parking spaces were included as part of the plans but people living in these new homes would not necessary need a car.

She also added there would be provision for cycle parking and the development is close to local shops and public transport.