Planning inspector Darren Hendley said the development would help with the shortfall of available housing.

“The proposal would make a contribution of 214 units to assist in reducing the deficit against the shortfall,” he said.

“It would also contribute to meeting the Local Plan housing requirement.”

Mark Jacobs, of residents’ campaign group North Redditch Communities Alliance, said the approval had undermined local democracy.

“This development is being imposed on the community despite overwhelming local opposition and the considered judgment of our elected representatives,” he said.

“It begs the question: what is the point of local planning processes if they can be so easily overridden by developers with deep pockets.”