ANGRY councillors have accused authority bosses of pushing through plans to relocate the Kidderminster ‘Hub’ after a planning application was submitted before the proposals were scrutinised.

Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors had called in the Conservative administration’s decision to move the Hub from Kidderminster Town Hall to Green Street as part of a £3million redevelopment.

But independent Councillors Peter and Helen Dyke said a planning application had been submitted for the project on November 29 – a week before it was due to be debated at an Overview and Scrutiny meeting tonight (Thursday, December 6).

This has prompted concerns that the decision has already been taken before the proper process had been followed.

Council leader Marcus Hart refuted the accusations and insisted the final decision will be made at full council on December 13 and once the call in process had been completed.

The controversial proposal has sparked protest from opposition members and Labour group leader Nigel Knowles has submitted a motion ahead of the full council meeting demanding the authority keep the Hub at the Town Hall.

Councillor Dyke said: “Although Overview and Scrutiny may recommend changes to the proposals it appears from these actions that the cabinet have already made up their mind to ignore any idea that may come forward.

“We have been carrying out a survey to every home in Aggborough and Spennells asking for residents’ views on this proposal.

“All the replies we have received so far have been against the idea and the majority of these replies have come from older residents who have expressed real concern about access to the proposed new site.

“They have also highlighted how difficult it will be for mums and small children to get there too"

Councillor Marcus Hart said: “The proposals to invest and improve Green Street depot and relocate the customer services centre to the site were agreed by Cabinet on November 14, final approval on the capital costs for the project will be decided at full Council on 13 December.

“The assertion that by the submission of a planning application that we have made up our mind is not correct. A planning application would be required as part of the project in any event.

“The Cabinet report gave authority for officers to progress key elements of the project so that subject to financial approval there would be no delays in implementation and delivering the improvements.

“The planning application will not be considered until after full Council has made its decision and the call in process has been completed.”