A MAJOR planning application to build 54 apartments has been recommended for approval despite not providing the target number of affordable dwellings.

Applicants Regal Executive Homes also plan to build a retail unit, ground floor office and car park at the site in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, while retaining the landmark former telecom exchange building.

They are allocating ten apartments for affordable housing which is below the usual 30 per cent provision.

Case officer, Paul Wrigglesworth, explained that a financial appraisal had demonstrated the scheme could not sustain any more.

Affordable Housing consultant, Rupert Scott, said the levels of profit would be well below those expected of a development of this nature.

The financial viability of the application had been affected by various factors including the need to provide accommodation only at first floor level and above with car parking on the ground floor.

Members of Disability Action Wyre Forest are concerned about accessibility to the development and are asking for the scheme to be redesigned.

Wyre Forest District Council's Planning Development Control Committee will meet at Duke House, Clensmore Street, Kidderminster, on Tuesday at 6pm to decide on the application.