Mid Worcestershire Liberal Democrats

Mid Worcestershire Liberal Democrats

Press Release 12th February

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY’S PLANS THREATEN RURAL WYCHAVON

Wychavon District looks set to suffer a ‘double whammy’ in the Government’s planned additional housing requirements. The Regional Spatial Strategy proposes three possible levels for development. For Wychavon, option one proposes 7,600 more houses by 2026, option 2 11,600 and option three 14,100.

Only Worcester has a higher target number within Worcestershire. And here lies the rub. Of the 16,800 houses proposed for Worcester City in option three it is expected that only about a third can actually be built within the city boundary. This means that at least 5,000 of Worcester’s allocation will have to be built within Wychavon. The study for the County Council carried out by planning consultants White, Young, Green Planning suggested a number of possible sites. Including an area in Tibberton and Spetchley parishes to the east of the motorway between Pershore Lane and Spetchley Road.

Margaret Rowley, District Councillor for Bowbrook Ward (covering Tibberton, Crowle and Himbleton) has arranged a meeting in Crowle Parish Hall on Monday, 19 th February at 7pm for residents to find out more about the proposals. Fred Davies, Wychavon’s Planning Policy Manager will give a short presentation and answer questions. Residents from neighbouring parishes are also welcome to attend.

Margaret says “I am very concerned about these proposals. More houses are being proposed because people want to come to live in rural Worcestershire. However, with this many houses there is a danger that the rural nature of the area, the very reason that attracts them, will be destroyed.

“ We are looking at twice the number of houses that currently comprise Droitwich Spa and an increase in the population of the district by a third. Local roads, schools and hospitals will not be able to cope. Land will also need to be put aside for creating more jobs locally.

“ We need to make our concerns known to the Regional Assembly. The consultation document is available from Wychavon shops, the County Council, and by ringing 0121 2450200 or from the Regional Assembly website www.wkp.nhs.uk . Please send your response to the Regional Assembly by March 5 th.”