PLANS for a reed bed and a canal bridge in Salwarpe, near Droitwich, have been approved despite the concerns of villagers.

A planning application was submitted by British Waterways as part of the continuing £11.5 million development of Droitwich's canals.

Staff believe the reed bed near Droitwich Barge Canal will compensate for the loss of another area of reeds when the major renovation project finally gets under way. However, Salwarpe people have expressed concerns about the amount of traffic the village would be subjected to during the transformation of the field next to Copcut Lane and afterwards.

Some were worried about heavy machinery being driven through the village while others were concerned plans for a boardwalk and some interpretation boards would see more visitors to come to the site.

However, members of Wychavon District Council's development control committee heard that once the reed bed was finished any visitors would be encouraged to park in Droitwich and walk along the canal rather than travel through the village.

At a meeting on Thursday, March 15, councillors approved the application subject to a detailed survey being carried out on protected species in the area, such as great crested newts.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Andrew Christian-Brookes said most people welcomed the replacement of lost reed beds.

He said: "Local people were concerned that in order to create the beds some very large equipment has to come down a very narrow lane and over a narrow bridge.

"However, I was convinced that all controls had been put in place to enable it to happen."