A PLAN to build seven new townhouses next to the canal has been refused by Wyre Forest District Council.

A planning application was previously submitted to build the new homes, with associated parking, on Park Lane in Kidderminster, next to The Weavers pub.

However, the local authority's planning manager has rejected the application, with concerns raised over parking pressures on the road being "exacerbated."

In the refusal notice, the planning manager said: "The scheme would create a displacement of vehicle parking in the area which would exacerbate existing parking pressures on Park Lane, and the use of undercroft parking would not provide sufficient pedestrian visibility".

"Both factors represent a significant highway safety concern and accordingly, safe and suitable access for all users cannot be achieved".

The developers said as part of the sustainability report that the development would provide affordable housing and create opportunities for employment.

There was also an issue raised with the appearance of the development from the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, and that "insufficient information" was provided to show the site is not frequented by otters, a protected species.