Plans for homes on edge of Worcester

A plan to build more new homes on the edge of the city has been put forward.

The application would see 28 homes built off Martley Road on the edge of Worcester.

The land currently sits on the edge of the boundary earmarked for the Worcester West ‘urban extension’ which will eventually see more thousands of homes built between the city and Lower Broadheath.

A mix of two-to-four-bed homes, including 11 affordable homes, has been proposed.

Some of the land, which sits next to Laugherne Brook, are in zones which are classed as at most risk from flooding.

The land also sits in ‘open countryside’ and is within the ‘significant gap’ which is used to create a buffer between Worcester and its surrounding villages.

The ‘urban extension’ of the city included in the SWDP, which has been approved through various planning applications in the last five years, includes plans to build up to 2,150 new homes and a new school and contains measures to protect the ‘significant gap’ and prevent building on land that is at risk of flooding.

A statement by AddisonRees Planning on behalf of applicant Harry Wolton included with the application said: “The application site lies outside of the defined development boundary of Worcester.

“Therefore, it is accepted that there is a technical conflict with the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP). However, the council cannot demonstrate a deliverable five-year supply of housing.

“As a result, only limited weight should be afforded to any conflict with the development plan.

“The site is in a highly sustainable location and would help to maintain and enhance the viability of local services and facilities.

“This site can deliver 28 new residential properties now and help to address the identified lack of a five-year housing land supply in the district for both market and affordable housing.

“The scheme also provides a number of smaller homes with bungalows included, where there is clearly an identified need.”

You can have your say on the proposals by visiting Malvern Hills District Council’s website.

The application number is M/22/00590/OUT and public consultation ends on June 4.