DEVELOPERS of a new medical centre in Bewdley have a “gun” to the heads of residents planners heard as the proposals were given the go-ahead.

Resident Martin Guard told Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee that the ambitious plans had “split” the town but planners still gave the scheme the green light.

The new centre will be built in the town’s Dog Lane car park by Bewdley Medical Centre Property ltd, taking up 99 parking spaces, which residents fear could hit trade in the town.

The existing site in Load Street car park would be demolished once the new centre is built and 49 extra car parking spaces will be created, however.

A temporary 26-space car park will also be created in an area of open space next to the River Severn during construction and would be available as a barrier system at times of high tourist season in the town.

Mr Guard told the meeting, however, that any loss of parking spaces in Dog Lane would damage the town.

He said: “This proposal has completely split the town but on one thing they all agree - the damage the loss of its main car park will have on the wellbeing of the town.”

He went on: “This is a huge building. The developers have a gun to our heads and have frightened the town with a loss of funding.”

He added the parking solutions offered “were just not good enough”.

The ambitious build, which would include a pharmacy and expansion space, was backed by town councillors last month and Wyre Forest planners gave the scheme the go-ahead during their meeting on Tuesday.