A BUSINESS which was told to find a new home has secured planning permission for a new building.

Despite concerns over noise, Wychavon District Council passed David Curnock Ltd's application to build a new industrial site in Woodbury Lane, Norton, near Worcester.

The transport business, currently based in Lower Town, Claines, had been told by their landlord they would have to move out at the end of the lease.

Councillor Rob Adams, who represents Norton, had urged his fellow councillors to reject the application at the planning meeting, held at Wychavon Civic Centre, with his comments echoed by Councillor Jo Sandalls.

Cllr Adams said: "This applicant is in a difficult position and I feel sympathy for the position they are in.

"However, I think this site is entirely unsuitable.

"This is a narrow road with a nursing home on and heavy goods vehicles regularly driving along here would be a problem.

"Drivers will be leaving early in the morning and returning late at night, creating a lot of noise, it would be more suited to an industrial area of the city rather than the countryside."

Simon Reeve, representing the applicant, attempted to ease fears about noise, stating that lorries would mostly be leaving early on Monday morning and not returning until Friday night, unless there was a problem.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, who voted in favour of the application, said: "In my heart the application does not feel quite right, but my head cannot find a reason to reject it, so reluctantly I propose approval."

Cllr Richard Lasota and Cllr Keith Wright had similar opinions to Cllr Thomas, with Cllr Lasota attempting in vain to try and prevent lorries being driven from the site between 9pm and 6am.

The application was approved by nine votes to five.

It came before Wychavon District Council on Thursday December 14.