BUILDERS of a controversial development in Locks Heath have been warned to cut the homes down to size - or face legal action.

Developers have been blasted for building the 17 flats and five houses in Locks Road up to 60cm taller than planning permission allowed.

It emerged that council officers unwittingly allowed the builders, Kebbell Homes, to make the buildings 0.3m higher than originally approved when altered plans were put in this year.

Councillor David Swanbrow said: "It seems the developer has treated the council in a somewhat underhand way. If it wasn't deliberate then it has been incompetent."

Residents from Lawn Drive and Field Close flocked to a planning committee meeting to voice their anger at the development being higher than they originally thought it would be.

They battled in vain last year to get the development rejected after claiming it was too big for the area.

Caroline Mowbray said: "It may seem something trivial but it is a matter of non-compliance.

"If it is a simple mistake by Kebbell Homes, it does not say much for their proficiency."

The planning committee resolved that officers would meet with the developers to discuss how they could reduce the height of the buildings.

They warned that if a compromise could not be reached, then they would take advice on legal action.

Councillor Roger Price said: "I think this is the sort of case where it's worth seeking opinion on the legislation of this situation."

Dudley Mills, land director for Kebbell Homes, said: "We are in discussion with the council and will do as much as we can to resolve this to the satisfaction of the council."