PLANS to build a controversial housing development on a former golf course can no longer be fought, a council planning committee has agreed.

Bloor Homes has scaled down its plans to build on the former North Worcestershire Golf Club on Hanging Lane, in between Frankley and Longbridge.

Their original plan was refused in August last year on 'ecological' grounds concerning the balance between housing and open space.

Proposals have now been scaled down reducing the number of homes from 950 to 800, which would in turn reduce the housing density.

On Thursday, July 5, Birmingham City Council planning officer Simon Turner told the planning committee that the authority would still oppose the development on the grounds that the site was not allocated for housing in the council’s local plan.

He also stated it was not unusual for developer’s to change plans in the run-up to an appeal adding that Bloor had contacted around 900 residents as well as former councillors, current councillors and MPs about the latest scheme.

“Appropriate consultation is taking place,” he said.

A Government planning inspectorate is due to determine Bloor’s appeal, including the amended proposals, at a public inquiry in October.

The former golf course club house was destroyed by fire since the leisure site closed.