PLANNING chiefs have voted to object to controversial plans to move Kidderminster Library’s top floor gallery and replace it with offices.

Planning officer John Baggott’s “no objection” recommendation was overturned by Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee at a meeting last night.

Worcestershire County Council is consulting the district council in its change of use planning application which would see social services staff move into the library’s top floor.

A gallery space would be re-provided on the first floor and the Steinway grand piano would be moved to Kidderminster Town Hall.

The objection does not mean the proposal has been defeated as it will go before county planners before the end of this year.

It is, however, a significant blow to the libraries and learning service - which has to save £1.8 million from its budget.

The majority of committee members chose to object to the application on the same grounds as they objected to a similar application in June, subsequently withdrawn by the county council.

The objection stated: “[The proposal] represented a serious downgrading of current arts and cultural provision within Kidderminster.

“It effectively destroys a purpose built art facility and replaces it with a totally inadequate replacement.”

Mr Baggott said, in planning terms, there was no problem with the change of use but councillors reacted angrily to the proposals.

Labour’s Barry McFarland labelled the plans “crazy” and described them as “cultural vandalism”.

Conservative councillor and Kidderminster Mayor John Aston said the people of Kidderminster had to be “listened to” and the plans should be given a second thought.

Conservative councillor Marcus Hart, supporting the application, however, said compromises “had to be made”.

Following the meeting, Stephen Brown, Gallery friends secretary, said the decision was “good news” but added: “There is still the issue of when it gets presented to the county council’s planning committee to overcome.”