COUNCILLORS have called for an extension to the Local Plan consultation after receiving complaints that residents had not received their information leaflet.

Wyre Forest Liberal Democrats say residents in areas across the district, particularly Stourport, were 'completely unaware' that the consultation was taking place as leaflets advertising Wyre Forest District Council's drop-in events were apparently not posted through their letterboxes.

Cllr Fran Oborski, ward member for Offmore and Comberton, said: "The district council has a responsibility to ensure, as far as possible, that all residents, especially those most affected by development sites, are able to comment on the proposals.

"Wyre Forest District Council held a series of drop-in consultation events across the district. These were advertised on the council website, by posters in council offices and other public buildings and on A5 glossy leaflets which the council paid a private contractor to deliver to every house in the district.

"Sadly it is becoming clear that a huge number of properties did not receive the council leaflet.

"This means that a huge number of people who do not normally use the council website and have not had reason to use any public buildings were completely unaware of the entire consultation."

The Local Plan, which sets out how the area will be shaped up to 2036, includes the creation of a 1,400-home village at Lea Castle and a significant housing development of more than 1,400 houses on the eastern side of Kidderminster including sites in Offmore and Comberton, Husum Way and Stone Hill North.

Cllr Oborski added: "Although receipt of the council leaflet is not a legal requirement in the consultation process, the failure of the delivery system means that some people feel that they have been excluded from the whole process and this severely dents their confidence in the district council and its processes.

"In order to restore public confidence in Wyre Forest District Council we feel it is appropriate that the leadership of Wyre Forest District Council should agree to extend the consultation for a further three or four weeks.”

Cabinet member for housing, health and wellbeing, Cllr Ian Hardiman, said: “The timetable for this latest round of consultation was agreed by members of both Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee back in October and ran from November 1 and December 17.

“Officers will be carefully reviewing all comments raised over the next few weeks and picking up any issues or concerns raised.”