A BEOLEY company, which had a planning application rejected by Bromsgrove District Council last November, has launched a national petition to fight its corner.

Oakland International said it wants to expose the council’s alleged damaging impact on Bromsgrove’s economy, environment and community.

The food storage and distribution company, which employs 245 staff, attempted to gain planning permission to extend its base which is situated in the Redditch borough and Bromsgrove district - but the application was refused.

In retaliation, the family-owned business released a charity single called ‘Application Refused’ on iTunes, set up their own website plannersblockbusiness.co.uk, and has this week launched a nationwide petition.

Oakland International co-founder and chief executive Dean Attwell said: “We have tried at every opportunity to engage with Bromsgrove District Council’s planning authority, even inviting their head of planning and regeneration Ruth Bamford to engage in a public debate.

“So we are left with no other course of action other than to exercise our democratic right to be heard by the nation and expose Bromsgrove District Council for what it is and the damaging impact it is having, on our economy, the environment and on our community.”

Oakland refers to Bromsgrove District Council’s planning regime as a ‘lottery’ and claims that it restricts economic growth and stifles jobs.

In response, a spokesperson for Bromsgrove District Council said: “Reflecting the government’s stance, the current planning regime is both pro-economic development and pro-Green Belt. One of the fundamental aims of green belts is to prevent urban sprawl.

"This business has built a large warehouse in the green belt without planning permission, and the national Planning Inspectorate has agreed with the district council that this unauthorised building should be removed."

They added: “The Council is at the top of the league tables for making sound planning decisions. For quality decisions when processing major applications it is placed 17th in the country.

“Oakland International have exercised their right to challenge the most recent planning decision and the facts will be fully examined when a Planning Inspector holds a Planning Inquiry at the council offices.”

The Planning Inquiry will commence Tuesday, July 12 and is set to last four days.

For more information on Oakland International’s petition, visit petition.parliament.uk/petitions/124975.