A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build a three-storey building to accommodate homeless people in Stourport has been refused by Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee.

A motion to refuse the plan was carried by six votes to four by councillors at the district's planning committee on Tuesday night (August 18).

Wyre Forest District Council, the applicant behind the plans, sought permission to erect 18 units to offer short-term accommodation to homeless and vulnerable people on the site of the temporary car park in Bridge Street.

The application received a staggering 1,325 objections from members of the public and inspired the creation of action group Save Stourport's Heritage (SSH) who raised awareness and funds to fight the plans on the grounds of the proposed site's location.

Stourport Town Council also voted unanimously to recommend refusal of the plans in June, claiming the proposed location was unsuitable.

Councillor Claire Barnett moved the motion for refusal at Tuesday's meeting, seconded by councillor Chris Rogers, citing concerns the design was "inappropriate" for the Stourport conservation area, did not meet housing need and worries it could lead to crime and disorder.

Planning officers recommended approval for the scheme prior to the meeting, with the officer's report stating many of the responses "do not assist" the committee’s decision as some were "based on inappropriate prejudice against" homeless people.

The planning committee heard objections from planning consultant David Addison and Councillor Vi Higgs from Stourport Town Council, who told the committee: "The people of Stourport have been promised a new development and have been waiting since 2008. This development does not enhance the conservation area for residents or visitors."

Mr Addison said the scheme was in the "wholly wrong location and would not be in the best interests of the homeless or the viability of the town centre.”

Promoting the plan, Wyre Forest District Council said the scheme was necessary to kickstart the regeneration of the Bridge Street basins link.

Paul Round, development manager of the project, said the scheme would provide accommodation for those in need in a "safe and dignified way."

The committee also heard how 181 Stourport families had approached Wyre Forest District Council seeking housing help last year.

The refusal was welcomed by action group Save Stourport's Heritage who have vowed to work with the council to regenerate the gateway to the historic canal basins.

A spokesperson for Save Stourport's Heritage said: "We are really happy with Wyre Forest District Council’s Planning Department’s decision to refuse the Bridge Street planning application in question.

"We, as a group, look forward in the future to working with the Council to regenerate the site as a gateway to the basins of Stourport and beyond and to celebrate the heritage of our beautiful town for future generations."