COUNCILLORS are due to decide on a controversial planning application to provide a permanent site for Wyre Forest's travelling show people - but it is heavily opposed by neighbours.

The site is proposed for a 1.4 hectare field off Heath Lane, Shenstone, where there would be four residential caravans, six touring caravans and one static caravan along with storage space, vehicles and access.

Planning officer Paul Round, however, has recommended councillors on Wyre Forest District Council's planning committee refuse the application when they make the decision at tonight's meeting at Wyre Forest House.

In a report, the officer said: "The proposal would constitute inappropriate development in the green belt and would cause harm to its openness and visual amenity as well as the character of the landscape."

The council has received objections to the application from Stone Parish Council, Chaddesley Corbett Parish Council and Wychavon District Council and planners have received 96 letters from residents opposing the plans.

Concerns included loss of amenity, unsuitable highway infrastructure and another said the "whole structure of the village would be compromised".

A statement submitted to planners by applicant Mr N Jennings said: "Mr Jennings has spent 10 years engaging not only Wyre Forest District Council but also Shropshire Council. He had proactively identified sites and put them to the council for consideration."