A HOUSING company which wants to build 41 new homes at a former Stourport hospital site says the location would be “dead” in terms of redevelopment if its latest plans are refused.

Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee will vote on Taylor Wimpey’s resubmitted proposals for the Lucy Baldwin Hospital site at a meeting next Tuesday.

Planning officer Paul Round has recommended approval, subject to education, open space and highway contributions and an affordable housing agreement from the applicant.

The committee refused permission for original plans last November but Taylor Wimpey says it has worked to address issues such as over-development concerns, apartment sizes and poor access in the new application.

It is still due to face stiff opposition, however, with Stourport Town Council objecting and recommending refusal saying existing highway infrastructure at Olive Grove would not cope with a “likely increase in traffic”.

Although access arrangements remain unchanged from the previous application, Taylor Wimpey has provided planners with a strongly-worded letter, arguing the development would solve current problems at Olive Grove such as vehicles being unable to turn in the road.

It says: “I would point out, however, that if access through Olive Grove is not acceptable, then from a redevelopment perspective the site is dead.”

Plans would see the hospital’s main building demolished, with 38 new houses built and the existing lodge building converted into three apartments.

The Shuttle will be tweeting live from next Tuesday’s meeting.